Which is the last natural element?
Uranium is the last natural element. It is the heaviest element naturally occurring on earth. The elements following uranium on the periodic table are only produced artificially and are known as transuranium or transuranic elements.
Which is the last natural element?
Last Natural Element
The last natural element in the periodic table is Uranium (U), which has the atomic number 92. Uranium is a silvery-white metal that is weakly radioactive. It is the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth and can be found in low levels in soil, rock, and water.
Key Points about Uranium:
- Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth.
- It is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
- Uranium is also used in nuclear weapons and has been a source of controversy due to its potential for use in nuclear proliferation.
- The most common isotope of uranium is uranium-238, which makes up over 99% of natural uranium. Uranium-235 is the other isotope found in nature, and it is used for nuclear reactions.
Applications of Uranium:
- Nuclear Power: Uranium is a key component in nuclear reactors, where it undergoes fission to produce energy.
- Military Uses: Uranium-235 is used in the production of nuclear weapons.
- Medical Applications: Uranium is used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
- Dating Techniques: Uranium-lead dating is a common method used to determine the age of rocks and minerals.
In conclusion, Uranium is the last natural element in the periodic table and plays a significant role in various applications, ranging from energy production to medical treatments.