The exact atomic weight for uranium is 238.02891 u.
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that plays a significant role in various applications, most notably in nuclear energy. Understanding its atomic weight is crucial for scientific and industrial purposes.
Understanding Uranium and Its Properties
Uranium is identified by its atomic number 92, meaning each uranium atom has 92 protons. It is a dense, silvery-white metal that is naturally found in low concentrations in soil, rock, and water. As a radioactive element, its atoms are unstable and decay over time, emitting radiation.
In natural ores, the atomic weight of uranium is commonly cited as approximately 238. This approximate value reflects the average atomic mass of its naturally occurring isotopes, primarily Uranium-238 (²³⁸U) and a smaller percentage of Uranium-235 (²³⁵U). The more precise value of 238.02891 u takes into account the exact isotopic abundance found in nature.
Key Properties of Uranium:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 92 |
| Symbol | U |
| Element Type | Radioactive Metal |
| Atomic Weight | 238.02891 u (atomic mass units) |
| Natural Abundance | Found in natural ores (approx. 238) |
The Significance of Atomic Weight
The atomic weight (or relative atomic mass) of an element is a weighted average of the atomic masses of all its naturally occurring isotopes. It is measured in atomic mass units (u or amu), where one atomic mass unit is approximately the mass of a single proton or neutron.
For uranium, its high atomic weight contributes to its density and energy potential. The specific isotopes of uranium, particularly Uranium-235, are vital for nuclear fission processes due to their ability to sustain a chain reaction.
For more information on uranium, you can refer to resources from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
