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'''Plutonium''' is a [[silver]]y radioactive metal named after the planet [[Pluto]]. It is a [[man]]-made element discovered in 1940 after uranium-238 was bombarded with [[neutron]]s in a device called a [[cyclotron]]. Plutonium-238, as well as uranium-235 and uranium-233, are among the few materials whose [[atom]]s can be split (or "fissioned") to create a nuclear explosion, which releases massive amounts of [[energy]] instantly.
==Weapons of Mass Destruction==
Plutonium is used in the manufacture of [[nuclear weapon]]s. It was first made in significant quantities during the [[World War II]] [[Manhattan Project]]. Plutonium can also be used as a [[fuel]] in certain types of [[nuclear reactor]]s where the fission process is controlled so that large quantities of energy are released more slowly to make [[steam]] and produce electricity. The split plutonium atoms become lighter elements such as cesium-137 and strontium, many of which are highly [[radioactive]]. These "fission products" are radioactive waste, although some are useful for nuclear medicine and other purposes.
==Weapons of Mass Destruction==
Plutonium is used in the manufacture of [[nuclear weapon]]s. It was first made in significant quantities during the [[World War II]] [[Manhattan Project]]. Plutonium can also be used as a [[fuel]] in certain types of [[nuclear reactor]]s where the fission process is controlled so that large quantities of energy are released more slowly to make [[steam]] and produce electricity. The split plutonium atoms become lighter elements such as cesium-137 and strontium, many of which are highly [[radioactive]]. These "fission products" are radioactive waste, although some are useful for nuclear medicine and other purposes.