Radiation

Banana’s are radioactive contain trace amounts of (naturally radioactive
isotope potassium-40
Uranium ore contains trace amounts of (naturally occurring) radioactive isotopes uranium-238 & 235

Uranium ore – enriched uranium 235…

• (²²³₉₂U) is mined and purified into a fluorescent yellow powder called yellowcake
• yellowcake is then processed to give uranium oxide enriched in uranium 235
  • used in fuel rods in nuclear reactors (~3.5%)
  • requires enrichment to 90% for use in weapons

Depleted Uranium

• Uranium remaining after enrichment
  • ‘depleted uranium”
  • considerably less radioactive than natural uranium
  • still very dense and hazardous in granulated form
• Used in:
  • armour penetrating weapons
  • radiation shielding