The Uranium Atom

To understand how uranium can generate electricity, it is important to first understand the complex uranium atom. Uranium (otherwise known simply as U) is the heaviest naturally occurring element, the lightest being Hydrogen. Pure uranium consists of more than 99% of the isotope U-238, less than 1% of the fissile isotope U-235, and a trace of U-234, formed by radioactive decay of U-238.

U-235 is said to be 'fissile' because the nucleus can easily be split, producing vast amounts of energy, in a reaction process called 'nuclear fission'.

Greater technical detail can be found on this topic by searching through the listed briefing papers and education resources at www.uic.com.au.