The Elements: Uranium

Uranium, named after the planet Uranus, has the second highest atomic mass among natural elements, only surpassed by plutonium. It is weakly radioactive and a major heat source inside Earth. Found in low concentrations, uranium is more abundant than silver. Historically, uranium-colored glass was prized. Today, its nuclear properties are crucial for power generation and military uses. Uranium decays slowly, with Uranium-238 having a half-life over 4 billion years, aiding in Earth's age estimation.

Which element has a higher atomic mass than uranium among naturally occurring elements?

• Thorium

• Lead

• Radium

• Plutonium

How does uranium compare to silver in terms of natural abundance?

• Uranium is equally abundant

• Uranium is 40 times more abundant

• Uranium is 20 times more abundant

• Uranium is 10 times more abundant

Before its radioactivity was known, what was uranium commonly used for?

• Medicine

• Weaponry

• Glass coloring

• Jewelry making

What is one of the primary uses of uranium in military applications?

• Communication devices

• Munitions shells

• Armor plating

• Fuel for tanks

What is the half-life of uranium-238?

• 100 million years

• 4 billion years

• 10 billion years

• 1 million years