What is the name origin of plutonium?
What is its crystal structure?
What is the atomic number?
Is it radio active or synthetic?
What is its classification?
What is its uses?
Where is it obtained from?
Everything you ever wanted to know about Pu and more.
http://www.webelements.com/plutonium/
The name origin of plutonium:
Plutonium got its name from the dwarf planet Pluto. It was named so because both the planet and the element start with the letters "Pl." It is important to note that the naming of elements often follows a pattern, and in the case of plutonium, it was named after Pluto as part of a tradition to name elements after celestial bodies.
To find the name origin of an element, you can consult various sources such as encyclopedias, textbooks, or reputable websites that provide information about elements.
The crystal structure of plutonium:
Plutonium exists in several different crystal structures, depending on its temperature. At room temperature, plutonium typically has a monoclinic crystal structure. However, it can undergo phase changes and transition into other crystal structures under different temperature conditions.
To determine the crystal structure of an element, you can refer to scientific research articles, crystallography databases, or materials science references that specifically discuss the crystal structure of plutonium.
The atomic number of plutonium:
The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms. For plutonium, the atomic number is 94, which means each plutonium atom contains 94 protons in its nucleus.
To find the atomic number of an element, you can refer to the periodic table. The periodic table organizes elements based on their increasing atomic numbers.
Plutonium is a radioactive and synthetic element:
Plutonium is both radioactive and synthetic. It is created by humans through the process of nuclear reactions. It is not naturally occurring on Earth in significant quantities. Plutonium is primarily produced in nuclear reactors as a byproduct of nuclear fission reactions involving uranium-238.
To determine if an element is radioactive and synthetic, you can refer to scientific sources, nuclear chemistry references, or information provided by nuclear energy organizations.
Classification of plutonium:
Plutonium is classified as a transuranium element. Transuranium elements are those that have atomic numbers greater than 92, which is the atomic number of uranium. These elements are all synthetic and are not found naturally on Earth in appreciable amounts.
To classify an element, you can refer to the periodic table or consult sources that discuss the classification of elements based on atomic numbers.
Uses of plutonium:
Plutonium has various applications, primarily due to its usefulness as fuel in nuclear reactors. It is commonly used in the production of electricity in nuclear power plants. Additionally, plutonium has been used in the production of nuclear weapons and as a component in certain types of batteries, such as those used in spacecraft and pacemakers.
To learn about the uses of plutonium, you can refer to scientific literature, nuclear engineering references, or sources that discuss the applications of radioactive materials.
Obtaining plutonium:
Plutonium is primarily obtained from nuclear reactors, where it is produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission reactions involving uranium-238. Additionally, plutonium can be produced through the process of neutron capture, where uranium-238 absorbs neutrons, undergoes a series of radioactive decays, and eventually transforms into plutonium-239.
To obtain plutonium, the processes involved are complex and require advanced technologies typically found in nuclear power plants or nuclear research facilities. The production and handling of plutonium are subject to strict regulations due to its radioactivity and potential for misuse in nuclear weapons.