Diagram of the nuclear composition, electron configuration, and valence (outer electron) orbitals of an atom of uranium-238 (atomic number: 92), the most stable isotope of this element. The nucleus consists of 92 protons (blue) and 146 neutrons (red). Uranium is an actinide in period 7, and the f-block of the periodic table. Actinides are soft radioactive metals. Uranium-238, used as a nuclear fuel, contributes to the Earth's internal heat. It has a half-life of 4.5 billion years. Its nucleus decays by spontaneous fission or emitting an alpha particle to form thorium-234. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Clarivan, Carlos |
Bildgröße: | 4800 px × 3872 px |
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Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
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