The book, Plutonium, was written by Jeremy Bernstein who was a physicist. The book is a science writing that describes plutonium as the world’s most dangerous element. Plutonium is one of the elements included on the periodic table. As such, Bernstein describes the steps that were followed while coming up with the dangerous element which was a major component of the weapons used during World War II. According to Bernstein, the weapon used to destroy Nagasaki and Hiroshima during the World War was derived from plutonium made in the laboratory[1]. Thus, plutonium is an element that is dangerous enough to cause harm to the world, and in this document, I will analyze all information about plutonium as discussed by Jeremy Bernstein

On reviewing the book, I noticed Bernstein describing plutonium as a radioactive element that reacts when exposed to different gases, elements, and even compounds. Besides, this element can accumulate in the bones of human beings, resulting in harm to those handling it with bare hands. I think this is the reason why it is deemed as the most dangerous element. The composition of plutonium, including the inner nucleus and its physical properties, pose a danger to those handling it[2]. He describes plutonium as “bizarre” because it behaves strangely in its allotropic phases. Due to this unusual behavior, plutonium was actively used in World War II by American bombers. The atoms of plutonium are strongly bonded together, and their volume decreases as the temperature increases.

In the book, Bernstein describes the changes that occur in the atoms of plutonium, leading to its explosive properties. Plutonium produces higher amounts of pure Pu-239 that can be used to make nuclear explosives[3][4]. Weapons used in the World War also contained Uranium-235 which substantiated the function of plutonium. They are both radioactive elements. Usually, plutonium is made from U-238, which turns into the new elements after going through neutron radiation. Bernstein explains that since U-238 is reactive, the resultant plutonium element is also the same. He also describes how fission occurs in the plutonium atoms that results in its radioactive properties. During fission, neutrons strike the neutrons of the different plutonic isotopes releasing large amounts of energy that is responsible for the explosions. According to me, is properties provoked scientists to modify the element into dangerous nuclear weapons.

In the book, Bernstein also recalls how he was once exposed to plutonium while it was being tested in Nevada in 1957. Bernstein came explains how he came in direct contact with plutonium. According to him, a small amount of plutonium weighs highly, and this explains how a small amount of plutonium can lead to extensive destruction, like those witnessed in Nagasaki[5]. Although the book goes deep in explaining the formation of plutonium, other elements contained on the periodic table are as well discussed. Some of the described elements include scandium and gallium among others. Plutonium is broadly described because of its unique and dangerous

As well, the book reveals the plutonium stores that were identified in Russia and its former states. There were 25 storages which contained the dangerous element. Therefore, there was a high risk to the people who occupied those places. The writer goes on to describe the experiences of Ted Mage and Nick Dallas. They were the first scientists to produce uranium which was contaminated with plutonium. As the book ends, Bernstein describes the fires that occurred at the Rocky Flats Nuclear in Golden. The fire had resulted due to the excessive heat produced during the conversion of plutonium to plutonium oxide. In this regard, the fires symbolize some of the dangers resulting from plutonium and its compounds. Thus, I agree that plutonium is a dangerous element if handled or used badly.

Bibliography

Bernstein, Jeremy. Plutonium: a History of the World’s Most Dangerous Element. UNSW Press, 2009.

Ikusawa, Y., Morimoto, K., Kato, M., Saito, K., & Uno, M. (2018). The Effects of Plutonium Content and Self-Irradiation on Thermal Conductivity of Mixed Oxide Fuel. Nuclear Technology, 1-12.

[1] Bernstein, Jeremy. Plutonium: A History of the World’s Most Dangerous Element. UNSW Press, 2009

[2] Ikusawa, Y., Morimoto, K., Kato, M., Saito, K., & Uno, M. (2018). The Effects of Plutonium Content and Self-Irradiation on Thermal Conductivity of Mixed Oxide Fuel. Nuclear Technology, 1-12.

[3] Ikusawa, Y., Morimoto, K., Kato, M., Saito, K., & Uno, M. (2018). The Effects of Plutonium Content and Self-Irradiation on Thermal Conductivity of Mixed Oxide Fuel. Nuclear Technology, 1-12.

[4] Bernstein, Jeremy. Plutonium: A History of the World’s Most Dangerous Element. UNSW Press, 2009