Plutonium

Plutonium (Pu) plays a special role in the exploration of space. It is also used to create energy in nuclear power plants. Despite these useful abilities, plutonium is known to be a highly dangerous and controversial element. It is used to make nuclear weaponry. Exposure to plutonium can make people terminally sick. Despite the dangers, more than 2,000 tons (1,800 metric tons) of the element have been created over the past seventy years. Students learn about Glenn Seaborg, Arthur Wahl, and ...