Overview of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials

Abstract

A discussion of nuclear security is deeply intertwined with the fundamental physics of radioactive materials. These dictate the attractiveness of materials to potential adversaries and consequently, where protection efforts should be focused. The chapter provides the technical basis of nuclear security, written at a level accessible to a broad non-technical audience. It discusses the nuclear and radiative properties of key materials, in particular uranium and plutonium, as well as key radioisotopes that emit radiation that can be harmful to human health. It also introduces the history of nuclear weapons and the characteristics of the two most important isotopes for nuclear weapons use, uranium-235 and plutonium-239. And it outlines the production of these materials and their use in civil and military applications, as well as their current estimated stockpiles. In order to understand the potential harm nuclear and radioactive materials, the chapter explains their physical and biological effects.