Uranium (U): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Uranium is element 92 on the periodic table, an actinide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DUranium quick facts
| Atomic number | 92 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | U |
| Atomic mass | 238.029 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f³ 6d¹ 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 21, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1789, Klaproth |
What is uranium used for?
- Nuclear power (fission fuel)
- Nuclear weapons (U-235 as fissile fuel)
- Uranium glass & historical yellow dyes
Interesting facts about uranium
- Uranium-235 fission releases about 2 to 3 million times more energy per kilogram than burning coal
- The energy in 1 kg of uranium-235 equals burning 3,000 tonnes of coal
- Uranium glass (usually up to about 2% uranium) glows vivid green under UV light and was popular in the 19th century
Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Klaproth in Germany.
Where uranium sits on the periodic table
Uranium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Uranium questions
What is the atomic number of uranium?
Uranium has atomic number 92, so every uranium atom has 92 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is U and its atomic mass is 238.029.
Is uranium a metal?
Uranium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an actinide, found in the actinide series (period 7).
What is the electron configuration of uranium?
The electron configuration of uranium is [Rn] 5f³ 6d¹ 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 21, 9, 2.
What is uranium used for?
Uranium is used for nuclear power (fission fuel), nuclear weapons (u-235 as fissile fuel) and uranium glass & historical yellow dyes.
Who discovered uranium?
Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Klaproth in Germany.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.