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Monday 21 August 2017

Plutonium & Its Important Facts



Plutonium is a chemical element with the atomic number 94 which is radioactive in nature with the chemical formula of Pu and with the atomic number of 94. Plutonium is of silvery-gray appearance that stains when exposed to air, as the metal oxidizes quickly, producing a mixture of oxide and hydride due it its high reactivity, which later forms a dull coating when it is tarnished. Commonly occurring radioisotopes of plutonium are plutonium-238, plutonium-239 and plutonium-240.
Where does Plutonium come from?
    Plutonium organically forms inside the star undergoing supernova, along with almost all the heavy elements in the universe. It is not found on in its unique form on earth due to its instability. The steady isotope of elementary occurring plutonium has only life of 82,000,000 years, and is drained before it can be taken up in terrestrial formation. However, humans have been able to artificially create plutonium. In University of California during 1941, the first sample of plutonium was produced. Researchers sprinkled the sample of uranium-238 and helium nuclei till it gave rise to neptunium-238 which had a short life. In few days, the sample had decomposed into plutonium-238.
    Read More: Plutonium & Its Important Facts 

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