Uranium is one of the most useful elements in this world. It is silvery-white metallic in nature and has the ability to produce thermal as well as nuclear power. It is one of the heaviest elements and is found in huge quantities in the earth’s crust. Usually, it is extracted through a very complex process and is used in order to maintain huge machinery all across the world. Here are some of the important utilities of the element.
1. Energy Generation
This is the most common use of Uranium in our day-to-day lives. It is a vital resource in most of the thermal power and nuclear power plants located across the world. In order to generate power, it needs to be converted into a gaseous substance known as Uranium dioxide.
Once this happens, it has the ability to generate thermal power through the use of steam. This is then used to power turbines that produce the electrical energy that we need in both our residential and commercial spaces.
2. Medicine
There are certain applications of Uranium in medicine. It can be used in treating various types of cancers, AIDS, and certain types of anemia. Besides those, it is also known as an antibiotic agent used in order to kill bacteria. In the year 1940, an American chemist by the name of Dr. George Whipple used this element in order to manufacture a new medicine from Uranium.
He was awarded a Nobel prize for his discoveries in the field of medicine.
3. In Agriculture
Uranium is also used for agricultural purposes. It sterilizes soil in order to stop insects and pests from creating problems for farmers. After the sterilization process, it becomes free of any kind of bacteria or chemicals that might affect the growth of crops. This is especially important in order to produce pesticides on a very large scale.
However, the process needs to be done under extreme caution because of the harmful effects that it could cause.
4. In Building Material
Apart from being used in energy generation and medicine, Uranium is also used in other aspects of structures. You may know it as one of the components of concrete. In the year 1887, Alfred Nobel used the element in order to create a new building material known as “Brick konkrete.” This has a very high density and can be used as a load-bearing structure.
5. In Nuclear Weapons
It may come as no surprise that one of its well-known uses is the creation of nuclear weapons. It has the ability to produce very large energy in a very short time. This is why it is used in almost every nuclear weapon that is manufactured in this world. It is for this very reason why it is one of the major components of military warheads.
6. In Other Uses
Besides the various uses mentioned above, it is also utilized in light bulbs to keep them from overheating, in the production of dyes, and in the manufacturing of various steel types.
It is also used in the manufacturing of batteries, as it has the ability to act as an electrical conductor.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most important uses of Uranium in our day-to-day lives. It is better to be familiar with them so that you are well aware of the tools and methods that may contain this element. This critical knowledge is important, especially for those working on the creation of nuclear weapons and other similar applications.
In such a case, be aware of its basic nature and avoid tampering with it the next time you may encounter one at work.
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