Chemical Properties - hdbk1113cn10050

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 101 Properties of Uranium

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

process in which a very heavy, unstable atom splits

in two, or "fissions". When an atom fissions, one

large atom primarily becomes two smaller atoms,

between one and seven neutrons are given off

(which may cause fission in nearby atoms), and a

great deal of energy is given off as radiation and in

other forms, such as kinetic energy of the fission

fragments. The radiation created could result in the

creation of radiological areas, such as High or Very

High Radiation Areas. Nuclear criticality

associated with uranium will be discussed in

greater detail later in the lesson.

Chemical Properties

Uranium is chemic ally reactive . It burns in air l ike

magnesium; it is toxic like lead; and it forms a large variety

of chemical comp ounds. All the isotopes of u ranium have

the same chemical reactivity, and all can be made into the

many different physical and chemical forms discussed in

this section.

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Fire

Uranium is a metal that will sustain a burning

reaction (similar to a magnesium flare). The

potential for a fire is greatest when the uranium is

in a finely divided form, such as milling chips or

filings. In this form, uranium can undergo

spontaneous ignition. Uranium metal is often