Enriched uranium

Enriched uranium is a type of uranium in which the percent composition of uranium-235 (U-235) has been increased through the process of isotope separation. Natural uranium is 99.284% uranium-238 (U-238), with uranium-235 constituting about 0.711% of its weight. The U-235 isotope is responsible for the nuclear fission reaction.

Production

Enriched uranium is produced by gaseous diffusion or gas centrifuge methods, and less commonly by laser isotope separation. The production of enriched uranium involves the process of increasing the concentration of the U-235 isotope relative to the remainder.

Uses

Enriched uranium is critical in the production of nuclear weapons and in nuclear power plants to produce electricity. In nuclear power plants, the enriched uranium is often used as nuclear fuel.

Health Effects

Exposure to enriched uranium can have serious health effects. It can cause kidney damage and increase the risk of cancer. It is also a radiation hazard.

See Also

• Uranium
• Uranium-235
• Uranium-238
• Nuclear power
• Nuclear weapons
• Isotope separation
• Gaseous diffusion
• Gas centrifuge
• Laser isotope separation
• Radiation hazard
• Cancer
• Kidney damage

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