Plutonium
Definition and meaning of Plutonium in chemistry.
Plutonium is a radioactive actinide metal with the chemical symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is a transuranic element that exhibits six allotropic forms and four oxidation states in aqueous solution.
In more detail
Plutonium is a highly reactive, silvery gray metal that tarnishes when exposed to air, forming a dull coating. It is produced in nuclear reactors by the neutron irradiation of uranium-238, though trace quantities exist in nature within uranium ores. The metal exhibits an unusually low melting point and a remarkably high density, and its volume increases significantly as it melts. Plutonium sits in the f-block of the periodic table, where its complex electron configuration leads to unusual metallurgical behavior and a tendency to form non-stoichiometric compounds. When alloyed with gallium, the delta phase of plutonium is stabilized at room temperature, which is essential for its application in nuclear technology.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Pu |
| Atomic number | 94 |
| Atomic mass | [244] u |
| Category | Actinide |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Year discovered | 1940 |
| Discoverers | Glenn T. Seaborg, Edwin McMillan, Joseph W. Kennedy, and Arthur Wahl |
Plutonium-239 is used as the primary fissile isotope in the cores of modern nuclear weapons and certain types of nuclear reactors.
Frequently asked questions
Is plutonium naturally occurring?
Yes, but only in extremely minute trace amounts found in naturally occurring uranium ores due to neutron capture.
Why is plutonium considered highly dangerous?
Plutonium is dangerous primarily due to its intense alpha radioactivity and chemical toxicity, which pose severe health risks if inhaled or ingested.