Uranium chemistry is covered in this lecture with an emphasis on separations and synthesis for the nuclear fuel cycle. The solution chemistry of uranium is explored, focusing on uranyl. The molecular orbital of uranium is described. Separation of uranium by solvent extraction and ion exchange is presented. The enrichment of uranium from the uranium hexafluoride species is discussed, including diffusion, centrifuge, and laser methods. Oxide species of uranium are presented. Due to its potential as a nuclear fuel, the synthesis and properties of uranium metal and alloys are described in detail. With three different phase, the uranium metal exhibits more complex electronic behavior than the metals of the lighter actinides, a trend that continues to plutonium metal.
Prior to watching the lesson, I had no idea Uranium had to be enriched in order to be used. Before the lesson I would have been like, "Uranium can be used for reactors? That's cool". Now I know that they have to be set to a specific specification. There are also various methods to achieve enrichment through separation.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment. Now you understand the role of isotopics and nuclear properties in reactors a bit better
DeleteUranium PDF quiz now posted.
ReplyDeleteI was unaware of how many uses Uranium actually had, since the only time I have heard of/handled it was when discussing or covering radiation. I am still slightly confused as to how to figure out the 3D molecular shape for uranyl, but do understand what the addition of the 2 Oxygens does. Another interesting lecture.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. For urany the main geometric consideration is the linear geometry. With oxygens at the top and bottom the uranium metal center has limited locations to coordonate. Since the top and botrim are occupied by oxygens only the equitorial plane is available for uranium metal center interactions.
DeleteFor PDF Quiz 12, question 1, you need to select 4 f orbitals.
ReplyDeleteGood Lecture. Definitely interesting to see the different enrichment processes of uranium and how uranium is purified from ore.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comments. The range of U enrichment is interesting and demonstrates the ability to exploit nuclear properties.
DeleteLots of information on Uranium. It was interesting to learn about using Lasers for the enrichment of Uranium, seems so much more high-tech than just using a centrifuge.
ReplyDeleteThe laser enrichment is a great way to show the influence of nuclear properties on atomic properties.
DeleteI enjoyed the lecture. It is very interesting to understand how Uranium is enriched!
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteThe answers to the uranium PDF quiz are posted.
ReplyDeleteI really liked learning about Uranium. It is really interesting. Thanks for the good lecture!
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment!
DeleteInteresting lecture. I liked how everything comes together, like the fuel cycle, and the different methods for determining the isotope of uranium present in the sample.
ReplyDeletethanks! I am happy to see the lecture makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at orbitals in this lecture. Shell models always interested me though every time I've seen them they've made me take to time reexamine them.
ReplyDeletethe f orbitals are certainly interesting
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome lecture just because I am in love with this element! I like uranium (specifically U238) because it is very powerful in the nuclear reactor. U238 can be converted into Pu 239 very easily.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to learn about uranium as a nuclear fuel. I've always wanted to look into this application more. I will definitely come back and listen to this lecture again after the semester is over.
ReplyDeleteUranium has always been an interesting element from how unstable and stable it can be depending on which form it is in. This lecture has been most informative on Uranium.
ReplyDelete