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Plutonium was discovered in 1940 by Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg and his researchers at Berkeley, California. Plutonium is a manmade synthetic element, meaning that it does not occur naturally in the environment. While it can be found in uranium deposits, such as those from mines, plutonium is created in nuclear reactions, and is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors and is employed in the production of nuclear weapons.
Plutonium was the first actinide created in the laboratory and has an atomic number of 94. It is a dense, silvery, radioactive metal that decays very slowly in its natural state and has a half-life of approximately 24,100 years. Plutonium is heavier than most metals and highly reactive, meaning it has the potential for an explosion if enough is concentrated in one place. It is also toxic due to its radioactivity and should be handled carefully.
Plutonium exists in nature as isotopes of both plutonium 239 (Pu-239) and plutonium 241 (Pu-241). The isotope Pu-239 is the most prevalent in the environment, and both isotopes can be produced in nuclear reactors. Pu-239 is the primary fuel for the production of nuclear weapons, and the two isotopes are of interest for use as a source of energy.
Plutonium is used primarily in nuclear power plants to produce energy. It is used to create a closed-loop system of fuel rods, in which the plutonium is not released as waste but rather is used over and over again. This is known as a fast reactor system, and it has the potential to reduce the amount of nuclear waste that is produced. Plutonium is also used in nuclear weapons, and it emits an enormous amount of energy when detonated.
The long-term effects of plutonium exposure are still in question. Plutonium exposure is known to cause cancer, although the link between exposure and cancer is still under scientific investigation. It is also known to be toxic to the heart, liver and kidneys, and when it is released into the environment, it can contaminate food and water sources. For safety reasons, it is important to properly handle and contain plutonium, and to follow safety protocols for its use.
There is currently a great deal of debate over the safety of plutonium and its potential use as a form of energy. Proponents argue that the benefits of using plutonium as a form of energy outweigh the risks, while opponents contend that the risks associated with plutonium exposure and contamination far outweigh the benefits. As more research is conducted into this complex element, it is possible that new technological advances can safely use plutonium as an energy source in the future.
