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To: HawaiianGecko

There are multiple isotopes of uranium, and only some can be used for nuclear bombs (as opposed to just dirty bombs).

IIRC, uranium-235 (not 238) is required to make a nuclear bomb, as 238 is more stable. I believe U-235 is what is meant by "enriched" uranium.


13 posted on 11/05/2005 7:27:20 AM PST by leviathan3k
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To: leviathan3k
 

Enriched uranium is uranium whose uranium-235 content has been increased through the process of isotope separation. Natural uranium consists mostly of the U-238 isotope, with about 1/2 percent by weight as U-235, the only isotope existing in nature in any appreciable amount that is fissionable.

The point is, all uranium is potential weapons grade, except for the depleted Uranium left after enriching it to weapons grade. And since Niger doesn't mine/export DU, it's a moot point.

!

 

19 posted on 11/05/2005 7:47:51 AM PST by HawaiianGecko (Facts are neither debatable nor open to "I have a right to this opinion" nonsense.)
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