Overview
Uranium is a dense, radioactive actinide central to nuclear energy production and historically to nuclear weapons development.
Properties
It exhibits multiple oxidation states commonly +4 and +6, forms complex oxides and is pyrophoric in finely divided form.
Occurrence and Uses
Mined from uranium ores, it is used as fuel in nuclear reactors, in research and historically in military applications; enrichment tailors isotopic composition for use.
Isotopes and Safety
Uranium 235 is fissile and used in reactors and weapons; uranium handling, enrichment and waste management are tightly regulated due to radiological and proliferation concerns.