Transuranium Elements
| Also Known As | Transuranic elements, superheavy elements (heaviest transuranic), post-uranium elements, actinide elements (94+) |
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What is Transuranium Elements?
Transuranium elements (also called transuranic elements) are the chemical elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (uranium). All transuranium elements are radioactive and most are artificially produced through nuclear reactions (neutron or heavy-ion bombardment). They include elements like neptunium (93), plutonium (94), americium (95), and all subsequent elements up to oganesson (118).
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Transuranium elements (also called transuranic elements) are the chemical elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (uranium). All transuranium elements are radioactive and most are artificially produced through nuclear reactions (neutron or heavy-ion bombardment). They include elements like neptunium (93), plutonium (94), americium (95), and all subsequent elements up to oganesson (118).
Nuclear fuel and weapons: Pu-239 is primary nuclear fuel/weapon material. Medical diagnostics: Am-241 in smoke detectors. Cancer therapy: Cf-252 for neutron brachytherapy. Scientific research: superheavy element synthesis (discovering new elements). Space exploration: Pu-238 in RTGs (radioisotope th…
Highly radioactive — alpha, beta, gamma and neutron emitters. Alpha emitters (Pu, Am, Cm) highly toxic internally — bone seekers, lung cancer if inhaled. Plutonium: extreme radiotoxicity, criticality risk (Pu-239). Strict regulatory controls. No safe handling without specialized facilities.