94 Pu Plutonium 244 Plutonium By Declan McCarthy

Plutonium Properties Properties Density = 19.8 grams per ml Density = 19.8 grams per ml Melting Point = 913° K Melting Point = 913° K Ionization Potential = 6.06 Volts Ionization Potential = 6.06 Volts Boiling Point = 3503° K Boiling Point = 3503° K Standard state: solid at 298 K Standard state: solid at 298 K Color: silvery white Color: silvery white Classification: Metallic Classification: Metallic Plutonium has 15 isotopes with atomic weights ranging from 232 to 246. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their nuclei but differ by the number of neutrons. Plutonium has 15 isotopes with atomic weights ranging from 232 to 246. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their nuclei but differ by the number of neutrons. Uses Uses Nuclear Weapons: 1 kg produces an explosion equal to about 20,000 tons of chemical explosives Source of Nuclear Power: 1 kg gives 22 million kilowatt hours of heat energy Pacemakers The isotope 233Pu was used in the American Apollo lunar missions to power equipment on the surface of the moon. It now finds its best use in deep space probe electricity sources.

Origin and Naming of Plutonium The isotope Pu-238 was first produced by Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy, and Wahl by deuteron bombardment of uranium in a cyclotron at the University of California (made in a nuclear reactor). It is formed in much the same manner as neptunium, by irradiation of natural uranium with the neutrons which are present. The isotope Pu-238 was first produced by Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy, and Wahl by deuteron bombardment of uranium in a cyclotron at the University of California (made in a nuclear reactor). It is formed in much the same manner as neptunium, by irradiation of natural uranium with the neutrons which are present. Plutonium also exists in trace quantities in naturally occurring uranium ores. Plutonium also exists in trace quantities in naturally occurring uranium ores. The discoverers decided to name the element plutonium, just like uranium is named after Uranus, neptunium by McMillan and Abelson after Neptune, and so they decided to name it plutonium. Seaborg said, “We should have named it plutium, but we liked plutonium better. It just sounded better. And the symbol obviously should have been Pl, but we liked Pu better so we gave it the symbol Pu.” The discoverers decided to name the element plutonium, just like uranium is named after Uranus, neptunium by McMillan and Abelson after Neptune, and so they decided to name it plutonium. Seaborg said, “We should have named it plutium, but we liked plutonium better. It just sounded better. And the symbol obviously should have been Pl, but we liked Pu better so we gave it the symbol Pu.”

Plutonium (To the tune of “Amazing Grace”) Plutonium, how sweet you sound, But what a threat you’ll be. You once were made by scientists, In Berkeley’s laboratory. Plutonium was made for good, But some uses are bad. It’s used to power reactors, But one more use is sad. Plutonium is in weapons, That could destroy the Earth. It’s also used to power things, That have a greater worth. Plutonium in pacemakers, Helps slowly beating hearts. Another use is in deep space, For power to explore these parts. “Plutonium” has quite the sound, From Pluto came its name. It’s symbol is “P-u”, oh, no! And that is somewhat lame.

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