Uranium enrichment: A chemist explains how the surprisingly common element is processed to power reactors and weapons
- Written by André O. Hudson, Dean of the College of Science, Professor of Biochemistry, Rochester Institute of Technology
Yellowcake is a concentrated form of mined and processed uranium. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, CC BYWhen most people hear the word uranium, they think of mushroom clouds, Cold War standoffs or the glowing green rods from science fiction. But uranium isn’t just fuel for apocalyptic fears. It’s also a surprisingly common element that...