Changes

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.

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.

[[category:Elements]]

[[Category:Elements]]

[[Category:Metals]]

[[Category:Metals]]

{{Template:Periodic table}}

{{Periodic table}}