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Thalia Fickett
12/5/2025
Earth and Space Science
8th Grade Earth Science
76
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Dec 5, 2025
•
Exploring Uranium in 8th Grade Earth Science
Thalia Fickett
@frostyfeet
1 / 8
Uranium
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element with atomic number 92. It's a heavy, silvery-white metal that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide. You'll learn about its composition, formation, distribution, and uses in the following pages.
Quick Fact: Despite being radioactive, uranium occurs naturally in soil, rock, and water all around us - just in very small amounts!
Uranium is Made of...
Uranium atoms contain 92 protons and 92 electrons, with 6 valence electrons that determine its chemical behavior. This silvery-white metal is notably heavy and dense, yet remains ductile (can be stretched into wire).
As a radioactive metal, uranium emits radiation as its atoms decay over time. This property makes it valuable for energy production but also requires careful handling.
Uranium is classified as a non-renewable resource since it forms through processes that take billions of years. Its chemical symbol is U, and it has an atomic weight of 238.02891, making it one of the heaviest naturally occurring elements.
How it Forms
Uranium's origin story takes us back billions of years. Scientists believe this element formed in supernovas (exploding stars) or during neutron star mergers more than 6 billion years ago.
Today, uranium exists in low concentrations throughout our environment. You can find it naturally in soil, rock formations, and even water sources across the planet.
The extremely slow radioactive decay of uranium means that much of the uranium formed during these ancient cosmic events is still present on Earth today.
Distribution
Uranium is surprisingly widespread across our planet! You can find it in Earth's crust, rocks, sediments, and even in seawater and natural springs. This widespread ore exists on every continent, though in varying concentrations.
In the United States, uranium deposits are mainly found in the western states - Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. These regions contain significant mining operations to extract the valuable element.
Kazakhstan is the world's leading uranium producer, accounting for nearly 40% of global production. Other major producers include Australia, Canada, and Russia. Natural processes like rain and wind can transport uranium particles through the environment.
Did you know? Uranium can be found in aquifers (underground water sources) at varying depths, which is why water testing is important in some regions!
How People Use Uranium
The primary use of uranium is as fuel for nuclear power plants, where it generates enormous amounts of energy through nuclear fission. This energy source is considered clean in terms of zero greenhouse gas emissions and offers relatively low operating costs once plants are built.
Beyond energy production, uranium plays important roles in military applications. Its exceptional density makes it ideal for military shielding and certain components in planes and helicopters that require weight balancing.
Unfortunately, uranium's nuclear properties also make it useful in weapons development, which has led to international regulations controlling its production, refinement, and use around the world.
Uranium is Harvested by...
Mining companies extract uranium through either open pit mining (digging large surface holes) or underground mining operations where the ore is deeper. These processes disturb the earth and can release harmful substances.
The environmental impacts of uranium mining include radioactive dust release, radon gas emissions, and potential water contamination with toxic substances. These environmental concerns require strict regulations and safety procedures.
Exposure to high levels of uranium can cause serious health problems. The radiation and chemical toxicity can lead to kidney failure and increase cancer risks, which is why workers in uranium industries follow strict safety protocols.
Safety Note: Modern uranium mining operations include environmental protections to minimize these risks, but historical mining sites may still pose hazards.
Facts about Uranium
Uranium has an incredibly long half-life of 4.5 billion years, meaning it takes that long for half of a uranium sample to decay. This makes it relatively stable compared to other radioactive elements.
Under a black light, uranium minerals glow a distinctive greenish-yellow color, which makes them easier to identify. This property is called fluorescence and was one of the first clues to uranium's unique nature.
With the highest atomic weight of any naturally occurring element, uranium is exceptionally dense. A cube of uranium just 4 inches on each side would weigh about 75 pounds!
As uranium decays, it transforms into other elements, including radium, which continues the decay chain until eventually becoming stable lead.
Sources
The information in this summary comes from reliable scientific and government sources including Energy.gov, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov).
Additional information was sourced from educational institutions (Calstatela.edu, Ei.lehigh.edu) and industry organizations like the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI.org) and World-Nuclear.org.
These sources provide accurate, up-to-date information about uranium's properties, uses, and environmental impacts based on scientific research and industry knowledge.
Research Tip: When studying topics like uranium, always look for information from government agencies, universities, and established scientific organizations for the most reliable facts.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Uranium in 8th Grade Earth Science
Thalia Fickett
@frostyfeet
Uranium is a radioactive metal with unique properties that make it valuable for energy production and military applications. This element plays a crucial role in nuclear power generation while presenting both benefits and environmental challenges.
Uranium
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element with atomic number 92. It's a heavy, silvery-white metal that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide. You'll learn about its composition, formation, distribution, and uses in the following pages.
Quick Fact: Despite being radioactive, uranium occurs naturally in soil, rock, and water all around us - just in very small amounts!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Uranium is Made of...
Uranium atoms contain 92 protons and 92 electrons, with 6 valence electrons that determine its chemical behavior. This silvery-white metal is notably heavy and dense, yet remains ductile (can be stretched into wire).
As a radioactive metal, uranium emits radiation as its atoms decay over time. This property makes it valuable for energy production but also requires careful handling.
Uranium is classified as a non-renewable resource since it forms through processes that take billions of years. Its chemical symbol is U, and it has an atomic weight of 238.02891, making it one of the heaviest naturally occurring elements.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How it Forms
Uranium's origin story takes us back billions of years. Scientists believe this element formed in supernovas (exploding stars) or during neutron star mergers more than 6 billion years ago.
Today, uranium exists in low concentrations throughout our environment. You can find it naturally in soil, rock formations, and even water sources across the planet.
The extremely slow radioactive decay of uranium means that much of the uranium formed during these ancient cosmic events is still present on Earth today.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Distribution
Uranium is surprisingly widespread across our planet! You can find it in Earth's crust, rocks, sediments, and even in seawater and natural springs. This widespread ore exists on every continent, though in varying concentrations.
In the United States, uranium deposits are mainly found in the western states - Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. These regions contain significant mining operations to extract the valuable element.
Kazakhstan is the world's leading uranium producer, accounting for nearly 40% of global production. Other major producers include Australia, Canada, and Russia. Natural processes like rain and wind can transport uranium particles through the environment.
Did you know? Uranium can be found in aquifers (underground water sources) at varying depths, which is why water testing is important in some regions!
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How People Use Uranium
The primary use of uranium is as fuel for nuclear power plants, where it generates enormous amounts of energy through nuclear fission. This energy source is considered clean in terms of zero greenhouse gas emissions and offers relatively low operating costs once plants are built.
Beyond energy production, uranium plays important roles in military applications. Its exceptional density makes it ideal for military shielding and certain components in planes and helicopters that require weight balancing.
Unfortunately, uranium's nuclear properties also make it useful in weapons development, which has led to international regulations controlling its production, refinement, and use around the world.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Uranium is Harvested by...
Mining companies extract uranium through either open pit mining (digging large surface holes) or underground mining operations where the ore is deeper. These processes disturb the earth and can release harmful substances.
The environmental impacts of uranium mining include radioactive dust release, radon gas emissions, and potential water contamination with toxic substances. These environmental concerns require strict regulations and safety procedures.
Exposure to high levels of uranium can cause serious health problems. The radiation and chemical toxicity can lead to kidney failure and increase cancer risks, which is why workers in uranium industries follow strict safety protocols.
Safety Note: Modern uranium mining operations include environmental protections to minimize these risks, but historical mining sites may still pose hazards.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Facts about Uranium
Uranium has an incredibly long half-life of 4.5 billion years, meaning it takes that long for half of a uranium sample to decay. This makes it relatively stable compared to other radioactive elements.
Under a black light, uranium minerals glow a distinctive greenish-yellow color, which makes them easier to identify. This property is called fluorescence and was one of the first clues to uranium's unique nature.
With the highest atomic weight of any naturally occurring element, uranium is exceptionally dense. A cube of uranium just 4 inches on each side would weigh about 75 pounds!
As uranium decays, it transforms into other elements, including radium, which continues the decay chain until eventually becoming stable lead.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sources
The information in this summary comes from reliable scientific and government sources including Energy.gov, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov).
Additional information was sourced from educational institutions (Calstatela.edu, Ei.lehigh.edu) and industry organizations like the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI.org) and World-Nuclear.org.
These sources provide accurate, up-to-date information about uranium's properties, uses, and environmental impacts based on scientific research and industry knowledge.
Research Tip: When studying topics like uranium, always look for information from government agencies, universities, and established scientific organizations for the most reliable facts.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user