Title: WebElements Periodic Table » Plutonium » the essentials
Headings: Plutonium: the essentials
Plutonium: the essentials
94 Pu
Plutonium: description
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Plutonium: physical properties
Plutonium: heat properties
Plutonium: atom sizes
Plutonium: electronegativities
Plutonium: orbital properties
Plutonium: abundances
Plutonium: crystal structure
The solid state structure of plutonium is: monoclinic.
Plutonium: biological data
Plutonium: uses
Plutonium: reactions
Plutonium: binary compounds
Plutonium: compound properties
Plutonium: history
Plutonium: isotopes
Isotope abundances of plutonium with the most intense signal set to 100%.
Plutonium: isolation

Content: Plutonium was the second transuranium element of the actinide series to be discovered. By far of greatest importance is the isotope 239 Pu, which has a half-life of more than 20000 years. One kilogram is equivalent to about 22 million kilowatt hours of heat energy. The complete detonation of a kilogram of plutonium produces an explosion equal to about 20000 tons of chemical explosive. The various nuclear applications of plutonium are well known. The isotope 233 Pu was used in the American Apollo lunar missions to power seismic and other equipment on the lunar surface. Plutonium contamination is an emotive environmental problem. Plutonium dioxide, PuO 2. Image adapted with permission from Prof James Marshall 's (U. North Texas, USA) Walking Tour of the elements CD. Plutonium: