neptunium
/nep'tju:njəm/
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Definition
- Noun:
- A radioactive transuranic metallic element: Neptunium is a synthetic, heavy metallic element with atomic number 93. It is part of the actinide series and is produced artificially, not found naturally in significant quantities.
- Found in trace amounts in uranium ores: It occurs in minute quantities as a result of neutron capture in uranium ores.
- A by-product of the production of plutonium: It is generated during the neutron irradiation of uranium in nuclear reactors.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Neptunium was the first transuranium element to be synthesized.
- Scientists study the chemistry of neptunium for nuclear fuel cycle applications.
- Trace amounts of neptunium-237 can be found in uranium ores.
Advanced Usage
- In nuclear chemistry: Neptunium is often discussed in the context of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear waste, and the synthesis of heavier elements.
- The long-lived isotope neptunium-237 is a significant component of spent nuclear fuel.
- In scientific nomenclature: The element is named after the planet Neptune, following the tradition of naming elements after celestial bodies (as uranium is named after Uranus).
Variants and Related Words
- Neptunium series (n): The radioactive decay series that has neptunium-237 as its longest-lived parent isotope.
- Neptunyl (n): A cation containing neptunium in the +6 oxidation state, often studied in solution chemistry (e.g., neptunyl ion, NpO₂²⁺).
Synonyms
- Element 93: Referring to its atomic number.
- Np: Its chemical symbol.
Related Phrases
- Neptunium alloy: A mixture of neptunium with other metals.
- Research on neptunium alloys is important for understanding its metallurgical properties.
- Neptunium compound: A chemical substance containing neptunium atoms.
- Neptunium dioxide (NpO₂) is a common compound used in studies.
Noun
- a radioactive transuranic metallic element; found in trace amounts in uranium ores; a by-product of the production of plutonium