03-30-2017, 11:50 AM
Depleted uranium is the leftovers from making "Enriched" uranium.
Natural uranium contains about 0.72% U-235. Nuclear reactors fuel needs the U-235 content be about 3%. Using centrifuges and chemistry, natural uranium's U-235 content can be concentrated in the middle of the centrifuge. That portion has been "enriched" to the required 3%. The leftovers are referred to as "depleted" uranium, and while it has less U-235, it is still somewhat radioactive, but not so much as to pose a significant health hazard. The military uses it in ordinance not because it is radioactive, but because it is very heavy and good at piercing armor.
Natural uranium contains about 0.72% U-235. Nuclear reactors fuel needs the U-235 content be about 3%. Using centrifuges and chemistry, natural uranium's U-235 content can be concentrated in the middle of the centrifuge. That portion has been "enriched" to the required 3%. The leftovers are referred to as "depleted" uranium, and while it has less U-235, it is still somewhat radioactive, but not so much as to pose a significant health hazard. The military uses it in ordinance not because it is radioactive, but because it is very heavy and good at piercing armor.