Where are the elements such as neptunium and plutonium found?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Pitchblende

Explanation:

• Neptunium and plutonium are synthetic elements and are not naturally abundant on Earth. However, they are found in trace amounts in pitchblende, a mineral also known as uranylite.
• Pitchblende (also known as uraniite) is primarily composed of uranium oxide and is the main ore of uranium.
• Neptunium and plutonium are produced in nuclear reactors from uranium or thorium, but small amounts can be found in nature due to the natural decay of uranium.
• The discovery of plutonium and neptunium is closely associated with the nuclear age and their use in nuclear reactors and weapons.

Information Booster:

• Pitchblende was first used as a source to extract uranium, and it was later found that neptunium and plutonium could be synthesized by bombarding uranium with neutrons.
• Plutonium is produced in reactors and was used in the development of nuclear weapons, while neptunium is used in some nuclear reactors and is also a byproduct of uranium fuel cycles.

Additional Knowledge:

(b) Coal

• Coal contains trace elements but does not have significant concentrations of synthetic elements like neptunium or plutonium.

(c) Seawater

• Seawater contains various dissolved minerals and salts, but it is not a source of elements like neptunium or plutonium.

(d) Granite

• Granite contains a variety of minerals like quartz and feldspar but does not have significant amounts of neptunium or plutonium.