Plutonium

Plutonium, Pu, is a dense silvery radioactive metallic transuranic element, found in the actinide series of inner transition metals in Group IIIa of the periodic table.

Atomic Number : 94
Relative Atomic Mass : 244 (most stable isotope)
Melting Point : 641 degC
Boiling Point : 3232 degC
Relative density : 20 Plutonium and its compounds are radioactive and they are also highly toxic. Extreme care is required when handling materials containg plutonium.

Discovery

Plutonium was discovered by Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy and Wahl in 1940AD.

Occurrence

Plutonium exists

in trace quantities in Uranium ores, and
is present in the spent fuel from nuclear reactors.

Manufacture

Plutonium is prepared in nuclear breeder reactors.

Properties

Plutonium is

silvery metal,
is reactive and tarnished in air,
is warm to the touch due to the heat evolved in its radioactive decay, and
readily dissolves in mineral acids.

Reactions

Uses

Plutonium is used

as a fuel in nuclear reactors, and
in nuclear weapons.

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