Uranium vs Plutonium: Why One Took Over the Bomb

Why was plutonium chosen over uranium in modern nuclear weapons? This video breaks down the science and strategic reasons behind the shift—from critical mass and neutron behavior to isotope purity and production advantages.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

Difference between Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239

Why plutonium is more effective in implosion designs

The Manhattan Project's shift in strategy

How isotopic properties affect chain reactions

💥 Bonus Insight:
Learn how plutonium's properties changed global defense policies and led to more compact, powerful devices.

📚 Sources:

U.S. Department of Energy

Nuclear Weapon Archive

Scientific American & declassified Manhattan Project reports

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