The Elements: Plutonium

Plutonium, named after the dwarf planet Pluto, is a naturally occurring radioactive metal found in small amounts in uranium ores. It is capable of generating vast amounts of energy through nuclear fission, with just one gram equating to the energy produced by burning one tonne of oil. Plutonium is crucial in nuclear technology, contributing to a third of the power generated by nuclear power plants. It is also a byproduct of reprocessed nuclear fuel and a component in nuclear weapons, having been used in the first nuclear weapon test in 1945. Additionally, plutonium has powered space probes like the Voyager missions beyond our solar system.

What is the energy equivalence of one gram of plutonium compared to oil?

• One gram of plutonium equals burning one kilogram of oil.

• One gram of plutonium equals burning one tonne of oil.

• One gram of plutonium equals burning one barrel of oil.

• One gram of plutonium equals burning one liter of oil.

What fraction of nuclear power plant energy is produced by plutonium?

• 1/5

• 1/3

• 1/4

• 1/2

Which of the following is a byproduct of reprocessed nuclear fuel?

• Plutonium

• Thorium

• Radium

• Cesium

In which year was plutonium first used in a nuclear weapon test?

• 1940

• 1945

• 1955

• 1950

What space mission utilized plutonium for power?

• Apollo

• Galileo

• Voyager

• Hubble