Plutonium

Plutonium is a silvery-gray, highly radioactive and toxic metal.

Discovered in 1940 by Glenn T. Seaborg and team in the USA.

Man-made, but also found in trace amounts in nature.

SymbolPu
Atomic Number94
CategoryActinide, Radioactive Metal
Discovered1940

Key Properties

  • Most important isotope: Plutonium-239 (Pu-239).
  • Used in nuclear weapons and as fuel in MOX (Mixed Oxide) fuel for reactors.
  • Pu-238 used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to power spacecraft.
  • Emits alpha radiation—dangerous if inhaled or ingested.
  • Requires special handling and containment.
Plutonium Sample

Interesting Facts

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Named after Pluto, following the naming of Uranium (after Uranus) and Neptunium (after Neptune).