Title: Plutonium Facts (Pu or Atomic Number 94)
Headings: Plutonium Facts (Pu or Atomic Number 94)
Plutonium Facts (Pu or Atomic Number 94)
Plutonium Chemical and Physical Properties
Plutonium Basic Facts
Electron Configuration: [Rn] 5f 6 7s 2
Plutonium Physical Data
Sources

Content: Uses: Plutonium is used as an explosive in nuclear weapons. The complete detonation of a kilogram of plutonium produces an explosion equal to that produced by approximately 20,000 tons of chemical explosive. One kilogram of plutonium is equivalent to 22 million kilowatt hours of heat energy, so plutonium is important for nuclear power. Toxicity: Even if it wasn't radioactive, plutonium would be toxic as a heavy metal. Plutonium accumulates in bone marrow. As the element decays, it release alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Both acute and long-term exposure may result in radiation sickness, cancer, and death. Inhaled particles can cause lung cancer.