Uranium is the metallic chemical element with an atomic number of 92. Its symbol is U, atomic weight is 238.0, and specific gravity is 18.95. It melts at 2,071.4°F (1,133°C) and boils at 6,904.4°F (3,818°C). Natural uranium consists of three isotopes of mass numbers 234 (0.00054%), 235 (0.711%) and 238 (99.275%). All are radioactive.
With the exception of tiny amounts of neptunium, uranium is the heaviest element found on Earth—that is, the element with the highest atomic number and atomic weight. It has held that distinction ever since it was first recognized as an element by the German chemist Martin H. Klaproth in 1789, who named it uranium in honor of the new planet that had recently been discovered: Uranus. Until 1…
Although uranium is indeed radioactive—the discovery of radioactivity occurred during a study of uranium's properties—it has a very long half-life, which means that it emits its radiations at a rather leisurely pace. Also, it emits mostly alpha particles, which do not travel very far through the air and will not even penetrate the skin. Its radiations are therefore not very ha…
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