definition for: #Thorium

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive chemical element with the symbol Th and atomic number 90. It was discovered in 1828 by the Norwegian mineralogist Morten Thrane Esmark and identified by the Swedish chemist J?ns Jakob Berzelius and named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Thorium-based nuclear power is nuclear reactor-based electrical power generation fueled, ultimately, by the element thorium. According to proponents, a thorium fuel cycle offers several potential advantages over a uranium fuel cycle?including much greater abundance on Earth, superior physical and nuclear fuel properties, and reduced nuclear waste production. The other advantage of Thorium is it lacks significant weaponization potential. Since about 2008, nuclear energy experts have become more interested in thorium to supply nuclear fuel in place of uranium to generate nuclear power. Some believe Thorium is key to developing a new generation of cleaner, safer nuclear power. According to an opinion piece published in a major scientific journal, considering its overall potential, thorium-based power "can mean a 1000+ year solution or a quality low-carbon bridge to truly sustainable energy sources solving a huge portion of mankind?s negative environmental impact."