Despite significant attacks on its Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites, Iran remains steadfast in its nuclear enrichment initiatives. Majid Takht Ravanchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, declared that Israeli and American aggressions would not deter Iran's nuclear ambitions. He firmly asserted, 'No one should dictate our actions.'
Amid Israeli assaults on Iran, 'uranium enrichment' has gained considerable attention. But what exactly does this process entail? Why is it indispensable for atomic bombs? What alternate uses does uranium have? Let’s delve into these questions for clarity.
Understanding Uranium: The Radioactive Metal
Uranium is a radioactively active metal, the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth’s surface. Radioactivity describes a natural atomic phenomenon where an unstable nucleus breaks down to achieve equilibrium.
Such metals, spontaneously disintegrating while releasing significant energy and harmful radiations (alpha, beta, gamma), define radioactivity. Despite being an unstoppable, natural process, it wields both monumental power and significant challenges for mankind.
Uranium's Twin Isotopes
Earth's uranium comprises isotopes U-238 and U-235. Here, isotopes are variants of the same element with identical protons but differing neutrons.
Source: aajtak
While both isotopes boast 92 protons, U-238 contains 146 neutrons compared to U-235's 143. U-238, due to its makeup, dominates Earth's uranium content at about 93.7%, with U-235, the potent fraction, comprising a mere 0.7%—used for energy and atomic arms production.
The Significance of 3 Neutrons
A mere trifecta of neutrons substantially transforms characteristics of these isotopes. This neutron difference renders U-235 exponentially more potent and hazardous than U-238.
When U-235 Undergoes Fission
During nuclear fission, a neutron interacting with U-235 causes it to split, generating prodigious energy while releasing more neutrons. These further react with other uranium nuclei, sustaining a chain reaction. When harnessed, this reaction powers electricity, but if uncontrolled, creates atomic explosions.
Interestingly, when neutrons strike U-238, the reaction halts as U-238 captures—but does not split—these neutrons.
Decoding Uranium Enrichment
In its natural state, uranium holds minimal utility with just 0.7% U-235 content. Enrichment, the process of boosting U-235 content, transforms this uranium into a more potent version.
Uranium Enrichment Levels for Various Applications
Electricity Production (3%-5%)
To generate electricity, uranium requires enrichment to levels between 3-5%, called Low Enriched Uranium, essential for nuclear reactors worldwide.
Research Reactors, Cancer Treatment (20%)
At 20% enrichment, uranium transitions to Highly Enriched Uranium, suitable for naval vessels and submarines, making it increasingly powerful.
Atomic Bomb (90%)
Reaching 90% enrichment, uranium enters weapon-grade territory, capable of sustaining chain reactions poised for atomic bomb creation.
The Story of India's Nuclear Ambitions
Here's a brief on India’s nuclear trajectory. In 2004, PM Vajpayee shared an insight following PM P. V. Narasimha Rao’s demise.
In 1996, as Rao prepared for nuclear testing in Pokhran, he ensured all materials and technologies were set, amid international pressures. Upon his term ending and Vajpayee’s brief governance, Rao informed him, 'Materials are ready.' However, tests deferred until 1998 under Vajpayee's leadership.
The Complex Science of Uranium Enrichment
Uranium enrichment involves boosting U-235 concentrations from 0.7% in natural uranium—a labor-intensive, multi-stage scientific venture.
It's essential to mine uranium ore, creating yellowcake from which Uranium Hexafluoride (UF₆) is derived—a lighter, gaseous form fit for enrichment.
Centrifuges, spinning at high speeds, separate isotopes, augmenting U-235 concentration, progressing through cascades to desired enrichment levels for energy or weaponry.
Comprehending these complex processes is critical, especially since crossing a 20% enrichment threshold raises international scrutiny, as progression to weapon-grade levels becomes accelerated.
Iran's Current Enrichment Status
Iran has achieved 60% enrichment, edging towards weapon-grade material, with reserves sufficient for nine nuclear weapons. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted this concern on June 13. In February 2023, IAEA reported 84% enrichment in Iran, a claim Iran attributed to laboratory errors.
At 60%, acceleration towards 90% is swifter, as most technical challenges dissipate upon reaching this point, fueling greater global apprehension about Iran’s intentions beyond peaceful applications.
