How Do You Spell WEAPON-GRADE PLUTONIUM?

Pronunciation: [wˈɛpənɡɹˈe͡ɪd pluːtˈə͡ʊni͡əm] (IPA)

The spelling of "weapon-grade plutonium" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word begins with the consonant cluster /w/ and /ɛ/, represented by the letters "we." The next syllable contains the consonants /p/ and /ə/, forming the sound /pə/. The final syllable has the consonants /t/ and /o/, pronounced as /toʊ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, creating the pattern /ˈwɛpənˌɡreɪd ˌpluˈtoʊniəm/. The spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of this important term related to nuclear weapons.

WEAPON-GRADE PLUTONIUM Meaning and Definition

1. Weapon-grade plutonium refers to a specific class of plutonium that is highly enriched in the isotope plutonium-239, thereby possessing ideal characteristics for use in the production of nuclear weapons. Plutonium is a transuranic element that is artificially synthesized in nuclear reactors by irradiating natural or depleted uranium with neutrons. Plutonium-239 is the most desirable isotope for weapons because it is fissile, meaning it can sustain a self-sustaining chain reaction of nuclear fission, which is vital for the explosive power of a nuclear device.

   The term "weapon-grade" implies that the plutonium has been carefully processed and purified, ensuring a high concentration of plutonium-239, typically above 90%. This high level of enrichment enhances the material's ability to sustain a chain reaction and produce a significant explosive yield. When inhaled or ingested, the lethal radiation emitted by plutonium-239 can cause serious damage to cells and organs.

   Due to its immense destructive potential, the production, possession, and use of weapon-grade plutonium are strictly regulated by international arms control agreements. It is subject to stringent safeguards, monitoring, and inspection measures to prevent diversion for illicit purposes. Safeguards often involve the physical and chemical containment of the plutonium, as well as the surveillance of facilities and continuous monitoring of inventory levels. These measures aim to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and maintain global security.

Common Misspellings for WEAPON-GRADE PLUTONIUM

• qeapon-grade plutonium
• aeapon-grade plutonium
• seapon-grade plutonium
• eeapon-grade plutonium
• 3eapon-grade plutonium
• 2eapon-grade plutonium
• wwapon-grade plutonium
• wsapon-grade plutonium
• wdapon-grade plutonium
• wrapon-grade plutonium
• w4apon-grade plutonium
• w3apon-grade plutonium
• wezpon-grade plutonium
• wespon-grade plutonium
• wewpon-grade plutonium
• weqpon-grade plutonium
• weaoon-grade plutonium
• wealon-grade plutonium
• wea-on-grade plutonium
• wea0on-grade plutonium

Etymology of WEAPON-GRADE PLUTONIUM

The term "weapon-grade plutonium" is a compound term made up of two main elements: "weapon" and "plutonium".

The word "weapon" comes from the Old English word "wǣpn", which means an instrument used for warfare or defense. The term has its roots in Proto-Germanic and shares an origin with other Germanic languages such as German "Waffe" and Dutch "wapen".

"Plutonium" is a chemical element symbolized by the atomic number 94 and belongs to the actinide series. It was named after the dwarf planet Pluto, which was discovered in 1930. Plutonium itself was first synthesized in 1940 by a team of scientists led by Glenn T. Seaborg, and its name was chosen as a tribute to Pluto, as both the element and the planet share the same initial letters "Pl".