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Definition of the Plutonium Element
A radioactive metallic
element similar chemically to uranium that is formed as the
isotope 239 by decay of neptunium and found in minute quantities
in pitchblende, that undergoes slow disintegration with the
emission of an alpha particle to form uranium 235, and that is
fissionable with slow neutrons to yield atomic energy.
Origin / Meaning of the name Plutonium
The name originates
from the the planet Pluto.
Classification of the Plutonium Element
Plutonium classified
as an element in the Actinide series as one of the "Rare Earth
Elements" which can located in Group 3 elements of the Periodic
Table and in the 6th and 7th periods. The Rare Earth Elements are
of the Lanthanide and Actinide series. Most of the elements in the
Actinide series are synthetic or man-made.
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Plutonium
Element
Plutonium was discovered by
Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Edwin M. McMillan, J. W. Kennedy, and A. C.
Wahl
in 1940 in the USA.
Occurrence the Plutonium Element
Manufactured synthetically
Found naturally in uranium ores
Associated Uses of Plutonium
Radiological weapons
Poison
Electrical power generation
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