uranium

Everyday

1. Uranium is a heavy, silvery, radioactive metal found in rocks, a chemical element with the symbol U and atomic number 92. tree →
2. Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power stations and in nuclear weapons. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons uranium is an example of an element and of radioactivity: its atoms slowly break apart and give off energy and radiation. In energy lessons, nuclear power stations use uranium to make heat, which boils water to drive turbines. Australia, Canada and Kazakhstan mine a lot of uranium. It is named after the planet Uranus.

Examples

• Uranium is found in some rocks. tree →
• Nuclear power stations use uranium as fuel. tree →
• Uranium is radioactive, so it must be handled with care. tree →
• The symbol for uranium is U. tree →
• Canada and Australia mine uranium. tree →
• A small amount of uranium can make a lot of energy. tree →
• Uranium was named after the planet Uranus. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some uranium», not «a uranium». Pronounced «yoo-RAY-nee-um». Radioactive does not mean it glows green — that is a cartoon myth.