Uranium: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name comes from 'Uranus,' the seventh planet from the sun, named after the Greek god of the sky.
• It was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth while he was looking for new elements and minerals.

Science

• Uranium has isotopes, with Uranium-235 and Uranium-238 being the most common, used in nuclear reactors and weapons.
• It is radioactive, which means it can emit energy in the form of radiation as it breaks down over time.

Environmental Impact

• Mining for uranium can lead to environmental challenges, including contamination of water sources.
• Waste produced from nuclear reactions using uranium must be carefully stored, as it can remain hazardous for thousands of years.

Pop Culture

• Uranium has featured in movies like 'The China Syndrome,' which illustrated the dangers of nuclear power.
• Its use in bombs during World War II marked a significant point in history and led to the Cold War era.

History

• Uranium was first used for nuclear energy in the 1940s, which changed global politics and energy production.
• Theorectically, uranium can be used to yield tremendous amounts of energy; the power of one pound can equal that from thousands of pounds of coal.

At #5,867 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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