Uranium is primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants to generate electricity, making it a key element for producing nuclear energy[1][4][5][6][8]. Uranium-235 is the only naturally occurring material capable of sustaining a fission chain reaction, which releases large amounts of energy used to produce steam and drive turbines that generate electricity[4][5]. About 10% of the world’s electricity is generated from uranium in nuclear reactors[4].
Other important uses of uranium include:
- Military Applications: Depleted uranium is used in high-density armor-piercing projectiles (ammunition) and to reinforce tank and vehicle armor due to its high density and hardness[1][7]. Uranium-235 has been used as fissile material in nuclear weapons[1][7].
- Radiation Shielding: Depleted uranium is used as a shielding material for containers that store and transport radioactive material because it is denser and more effective at blocking radiation than lead[1][7].
- Aircraft and Navigation: Uranium counterweights help balance aircraft control surfaces, and its high density is utilized in guidance systems and gyroscopic compasses[1][5][7].
- Medical and Industrial Uses: Uranium isotopes are employed in the production of medical isotopes, in targeted radiation therapies for cancer treatment, as electron-dense stains in electron microscopy, and as X-ray targets for high-energy X-ray production[1][3].
- Dating and Scientific Research: Uranium is used for geological dating (e.g., uranium-lead dating) and in scientific analyses[1].
- Manufacturing: Uranium can be added during steel manufacturing to enhance strength and resistance to wear[3].
- Other Uses: Historically, uranium has been used in lamp filaments, photographic chemicals, stains and dyes for the leather and wood industry, and as ballast for missile re-entry vehicles and yacht keels due to its high density[1][5].
- Agriculture: In some cases, uranium compounds have been used to sterilize soil and as additives in fertilizers[3].
References
- [1] Uranium: Properties, Uses & Key Facts Explained Simply
- [4] Uranium and Depleted Uranium – World Nuclear Association
- [5] What is Uranium? How Does it Work?
- [6] Uranium (nuclear) – Energy Kids – EIA
- [7] Uranium
- [8] What is Uranium? | IAEA
- [3] The Different Applications of Uranium and How They Work