- #1
ninetynine
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Hi there, first time poster. I'm trying to settle a dispute which is kind of stupid...
Now I realize this question might seem dumb but I was wondering why exactly we use Uranium (Uranium-235 to be more exact) in Nuclear power plants?
From what I understand, in very basic terms, nuclear energy is what gets released when we break apart nuclei of atoms. Obviously other elements have their own nuclei. Wouldn't we get nuclear energy if we, say, break apart the nuclei of Iron or Lead or Silver or pretty much every other element?
If not, what makes the nucleus of Uranium "breakable" but not the other elements? Or is it that other elements CAN be used to release nuclear energy but using Uranium is far more practical for some reason?
Thanks in advance.
Now I realize this question might seem dumb but I was wondering why exactly we use Uranium (Uranium-235 to be more exact) in Nuclear power plants?
From what I understand, in very basic terms, nuclear energy is what gets released when we break apart nuclei of atoms. Obviously other elements have their own nuclei. Wouldn't we get nuclear energy if we, say, break apart the nuclei of Iron or Lead or Silver or pretty much every other element?
If not, what makes the nucleus of Uranium "breakable" but not the other elements? Or is it that other elements CAN be used to release nuclear energy but using Uranium is far more practical for some reason?
Thanks in advance.