Radiation Safety Practice Exam

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Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

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What is the primary isotope found in natural uranium?

Uranium-235
Uranium-236
Uranium-238
Uranium-234

The correct answer is: Uranium-238

Natural uranium is primarily composed of uranium-238, which accounts for about 99.3% of its content. This isotope is significant because it is the most stable form of uranium and has a long half-life of approximately 4.5 billion years. It does not readily undergo fission but can be used in nuclear reactors and as fuel when enriched, leading to the production of uranium-235. Uranium-235, while it is critical for nuclear reactions and accounts for about 0.7% of natural uranium, does not constitute the majority. Uranium-236 and uranium-234 are present in trace amounts and are generally produced through specific nuclear reactions or decay processes, rather than being foundational components of natural uranium. Thus, the primary isotope in natural uranium is uranium-238, making it the correct choice in understanding the composition and properties of natural sources of uranium.