Plutonium

Definition

Plutonium is a radioactive actinide metal with the atomic number 94, primarily used as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons. Its unique properties, including its ability to undergo fission, make it a crucial element in both energy generation and national security contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutonium-239 is the most commonly used isotope for nuclear weapons and as a fuel in fast breeder reactors.
2. Plutonium is produced in significant quantities from uranium fuel in reactors through neutron bombardment.
3. It has a relatively low melting point compared to other actinides, making it easier to work with in various applications.
4. Handling plutonium requires strict safety measures due to its toxicity and radiological hazards.
5. The presence of plutonium in spent nuclear fuel poses challenges for waste management and environmental safety.

Review Questions

• How does plutonium relate to the processes of fission and its role in nuclear reactors?
  • Plutonium plays a vital role in fission processes within nuclear reactors. Plutonium-239 can sustain a chain reaction when bombarded with neutrons, similar to uranium-235. In fast breeder reactors, plutonium is generated from uranium fuel, which then can be reprocessed and reused as fuel. This ability to breed new fuel makes plutonium an important element for both energy sustainability and resource efficiency in nuclear power generation.
• Discuss the implications of plutonium's use in nuclear weapons for international security and non-proliferation efforts.
  • The use of plutonium in nuclear weapons raises significant concerns for international security due to its potential for proliferation. Countries with advanced nuclear capabilities can produce plutonium-239 from reactor operations, creating risks that this material could be diverted for weaponization. Non-proliferation treaties aim to limit the spread of nuclear weapons technology and materials, emphasizing the need for stringent safeguards on plutonium production and handling to prevent its misuse.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with managing plutonium in spent nuclear fuel and its environmental impact.
  • Managing plutonium in spent nuclear fuel presents substantial challenges due to its long half-life and radiotoxicity. Proper disposal methods are critical to prevent environmental contamination and ensure public safety. Techniques such as deep geological storage are being explored, but concerns about long-term containment remain. The presence of plutonium complicates waste management strategies, necessitating innovative approaches to mitigate risks associated with its storage and potential release into the environment.

Related terms

Uranium: A naturally occurring radioactive element, uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors and is essential for the production of plutonium through neutron capture.

Fission:

The process by which a heavy nucleus, such as plutonium or uranium, splits into two lighter nuclei along with the release of energy and neutrons.

Transuranic Elements: Elements that have atomic numbers greater than uranium (92) on the periodic table, including plutonium, which are typically produced artificially in nuclear reactors.