Depleted uranium facts for kids

Depleted uranium is a type of uranium that has had most of its highly radioactive parts removed. It is what is left over after natural uranium is "enriched." This process makes uranium more powerful for use in nuclear reactors or nuclear weapons.

Depleted uranium is mostly made of an isotope called uranium-238. Uranium-238 is only slightly radioactive. It is also very dense, meaning it is extremely heavy for its size.

What is Uranium Enrichment?

Uranium found in nature has different types, called isotopes. The most common type is uranium-238. A smaller amount is uranium-235. Uranium-235 is the type used to create nuclear energy or weapons.

To "enrich" uranium means to increase the amount of uranium-235. This process separates uranium-235 from uranium-238. What is left behind is mostly uranium-238, which we call depleted uranium.

How is Depleted Uranium Used?

Because depleted uranium is so heavy, it is very useful for certain things.

Heavy Armor and Bullets

Its high density makes it perfect for making strong armor. This armor can protect tanks and other military vehicles.

It is also used to make special bullets. These are often called armor-piercing bullets. When fired, their weight helps them go through thick materials.

Why is it so Heavy?

Imagine a small rock that weighs as much as a bowling ball. That's how dense depleted uranium is! This extreme weight means a bullet made from it can carry a lot of force. When it hits something hard, it can cause a lot of damage.

Some bullets made from depleted uranium can even burn when they hit a target. The smoke from this burning material is dangerous to breathe.

Depleted Uranium and Energy

For a long time, people thought depleted uranium was not useful for making nuclear energy. However, scientists are now looking at new ways to use it. A new idea is a "traveling wave reactor." This type of reactor could potentially use depleted uranium to create energy in the future.

Images for kids

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  The DU penetrator of a 30 mm round

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  Uranium hexafluoride tank leaking

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  Mark 149 Mod 2 20mm depleted uranium ammunition for the Phalanx CIWS aboard USS Missouri.