Uranium is sometimes called the fuel source of the modern age. It has helped unlock the tremendous energy
hidden inside the atom. This atomic energy can be used for destructive purposes, but can also be used for generating energy for creative purposes. One kilogram of uranium can produce as much energy as nearly three
million kilograms of coal!
Pure uranium looks like silver or aluminium. But it is much heavier than other metals. A 0.3 cubic meter of uranium weights more than half a tonne.
Uranium is radioactive - this means its atoms break down slowly, releasing energy in the form of radiation. Some of its atoms are fissionable - which means they can be made to explode and break into two and in the process release vast amounts of energy. Because of these properties uranium is a very important metal. But extracting it from its ores to get it in its pure form is a complicated and expensive process.