Uranium and Plutonium: Fuels of Nuclear Energy

Uranium and plutonium are the primary fuels used in nuclear reactors and weapons.
Uranium-235 is the fissile isotope most often used to sustain chain reactions.
Natural uranium is mostly uranium-238, which must be enriched to increase U-235 content.
Plutonium-239 is created inside reactors when uranium-238 absorbs a neutron.
Both U-235 and Pu-239 split easily in fission, releasing huge amounts of energy.
Uranium is mined from Earth, while plutonium is almost entirely man-made.
Enrichment and reprocessing are key steps in preparing these fuels for reactors.
While vital for power, both isotopes pose serious risks of weaponization.
Handling uranium and plutonium requires strict shielding and safety protocols.
Future reactor designs aim to use fuel more efficiently and reduce nuclear waste.