Plutonium 239 (Noun)
Meaning
A highly fissionable isotope of plutonium that is used in atomic weapons and as a reactor fuel; produced by irradiating uranium 238 with slow electrons.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Plutonium-239 is a highly fissionable isotope that plays a critical role in the development of atomic bombs.
- The scientist spent years researching the properties of plutonium-239 and its potential as a reactor fuel.
- The nuclear power plant used plutonium-239 as a primary fuel source to generate electricity for the entire region.
- To produce plutonium-239, the uranium-238 was irradiated with slow electrons, causing it to undergo a series of complex reactions.
- The nuclear facility took precautions to handle the highly radioactive plutonium-239, knowing the potential risks associated with it.