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Plutonium

Key Stage 2

Meaning

Plutonium is a metal.

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Plutonium is a Actinide metal element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 94.

About Plutonium

Molecular Structure

Plutonium has the chemical symbol Pu.
Plutonium atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.

Atomic Structure

Plutonium as 94 protons and 150 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 94 and an atomic mass of 244.
Plutonium is in Period 7 of the Periodic Table because it has 7 electron shells.

Properties

Plutonium is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Plutonium is a shiny solid at room temperature.
Plutonium is malleable.
Plutonium is sonorous.
Plutonium is ductile.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Plutonium is a Actinide metal element, on the Periodic Table, with 94 protons in the nucleus.

About Plutonium

Molecular Structure

Plutonium has the chemical formula Pu.
Plutonium atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.

Atomic Structure

The most stable isotope of Plutonium has 150 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 244.
Plutonium is in Period 7 of the Periodic Table because it has 7 electron shells.
Plutonium loses electrons to form positive metal ions.

Properties

Plutonium forms ionic bonds with non-metals.
Plutonium is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Plutonium is a shiny solid at standard temperature and pressure and has a high melting point.
Plutonium is malleable.
Plutonium is sonorous.
Plutonium is ductile.


References

AQA

Plutonium, page 128, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Plutonium, page 37, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Plutonium, pages 18, 49, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Plutonium, pages 45, 55, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
Plutonium, pages 47, 57, 140, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA

OCR

Plutonium, pages 174, 184, Gateway GCSE Physics, Oxford, OCR