Plutonium

Plutonium

Plutonium (/pluːˈtoʊniəm/ ploo-TOH-nee-əm) is a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized.

Etymology

The element was named after the planet Pluto, following the tradition of naming elements after newly discovered planets, started with Uranium and Neptunium. The name was proposed by chemist Glenn T. Seaborg and his colleagues who first synthesized the element during the Manhattan Project in 1940.

Properties

Plutonium is a radioactive, silver metal that can be used to create a fission reaction. It has five ionic oxidation states ranging from +3 to +7, though +4 and +6 are the most common.

Uses

Plutonium is used in nuclear weapons and as a fuel in nuclear reactors. Plutonium-238, a specific isotope of plutonium, is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators to provide electricity for spacecraft.

Health Effects

Exposure to plutonium can have serious health effects, as it emits alpha particles that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. It is also a radiation hazard.

Related Terms

• Actinide
• Alpha particle
• Manhattan Project
• Neptunium
• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear reactor
• Nuclear weapon
• Radiation poisoning
• Radioactive decay
• Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
• Uranium

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Plutonium
• Wikipedia's article - Plutonium

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