Uranium-235 facts for kids
Uranium-235 is a special type of uranium that is radioactive. This means it gives off energy as it slowly changes into other elements. It is an isotope of uranium, which means it's a version of uranium with a different number of neutrons.
Uranium-235 has 92 protons and 143 neutrons in its center, called the nucleus. Its total mass is about 235. It is created when other radioactive elements like Protactinium-235 (235Pa) or Neptunium-235 (235Np) break down. When Uranium-235 itself breaks down, it usually forms Thorium-231 (231Th).
Uranium-235 has a very long half-life of 703.8 million years. This means it takes 703.8 million years for half of a sample of Uranium-235 to change into other elements. In nature, Uranium-235 is quite rare, making up only about 0.72% of all natural uranium. When scientists separate Uranium-235 from other types of uranium, it is called enriched uranium.
What is Uranium-235 Used For?
Enriched uranium is most famous for its use in nuclear fission. This is a process where the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller parts. When a neutron hits a Uranium-235 atom, it can split, releasing a lot of energy and more neutrons. These new neutrons can then hit other Uranium-235 atoms, causing a chain reaction.
This process of nuclear fission can be used to create powerful bombs. One famous example is the bomb called Little Boy, which used Uranium-235. This bomb was used in Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945.
Nuclear fission is also used in nuclear power plants to create electricity. The energy released from splitting uranium atoms heats water, producing steam that turns turbines to generate power.
Discovery of Uranium-235
Uranium-235 was discovered in 1935 by a scientist named Arthur Jeffrey Dempster. His work helped us understand more about this unique and powerful element.
See also
In Spanish: Uranio-235 para niños
