Plutonium (Pu)

Plutonium (Pu)

Atomic Number: 94
Atomic Weight: 239.13
Melting Point: 641
Boiling Point: 3902
Specific Gravity: 19.84
Valences: 3,4,5 or 6

Plutonium was first produced in 1940 by Seabord, McMillan, Kennedy, and Wahl in California. Trace quantities of Plutonium are found in uranium ores. It is the key ingredient in nuclear weapons, and in generating nuclear power. Plutonium emits alpha particles at a high rate, and can be harmful to humans. It is named after the planet Pluto. [LM] {RW}