pitchblende (Meaning)
pitchblende (n)
a mineral consisting of uranium oxide and trace amounts of radium and thorium and polonium and lead and helium; uraninite in massive form is called pitchblende which is the chief uranium ore
pitchblende (n.)
A pitch-black mineral consisting chiefly of the oxide of uranium; uraninite. See Uraninite.
Synonyms & Antonyms of pitchblende
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
pitchblende Sentence Examples
- The discovery of pitchblende in 1789 marked a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear physics.
- Pitchblende, a radioactive mineral, is the primary source of uranium used in nuclear power plants.
- The unique chemical composition of pitchblende makes it an efficient neutron moderator, slowing down neutrons for nuclear reactions.
- The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved using a lump of concentrated pitchblende as the fuel.
- The vast majority of pitchblende mining occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with significant reserves also found in Canada and Australia.
- Pitchblende is named after the German words "Pechblende," meaning "bad ore," reflecting its low silver content despite its high uranium concentration.
- Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie conducted pioneering research on pitchblende, isolating radium and polonium from its radioactive components.
- The radioactive decay of pitchblende over time produces radon gas, which poses health risks if inhaled in high concentrations.
- The use of pitchblende in nuclear reactors requires extensive safety precautions to prevent radiation exposure and environmental contamination.
- The extraction and processing of pitchblende is a complex and technologically demanding process that requires specialized equipment and expertise.
FAQs About the word pitchblende
a mineral consisting of uranium oxide and trace amounts of radium and thorium and polonium and lead and helium; uraninite in massive form is called pitchblende
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
The discovery of pitchblende in 1789 marked a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear physics.
Pitchblende, a radioactive mineral, is the primary source of uranium used in nuclear power plants.
The unique chemical composition of pitchblende makes it an efficient neutron moderator, slowing down neutrons for nuclear reactions.
The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved using a lump of concentrated pitchblende as the fuel.
