What are the uses of Plutonium?

Question

I need to know for a science project.
Additional information would be appreciated

Answer 1

Because it is capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction is it typically used as a fissile component in nuclear weapons.

One if it's most interesting applications is long term, low maintenance power. For instance, the space probes that must travel tens of thousands of miles into space are powered by plutonium, because they must be able to last without any repairs or upgrades for much longer than a human lifespan.

Pu-238 emitts a lot of thermal energy, but only alpha particles. That means it can provide power with minimal risk of a radioactive leak. In fact they used to use it to power pacemakers. Most are now powered by lithium batteries, but there are still some Pu-238's still inside people.

Answer 2

Plutonium is a synthesized element(arificial).The U-238 when bombarded by neutrons will produce the U-239, which will decay to form plotonium. It is mainly use for nuclear power reactors today.

Answer 3

Nuclear power plants, atomic bombs, and triggers for hydrogen bombs.

Answer 4

they use it to run nuculer power plants