3. What two characteristic of UF6 would account for its volatility?

Question

3. What two characteristic of UF6 would account for its volatility?

Answer 1

The most important is the symmetry of F's around U to shield the U nuclear charge; thus little intermolecular bonding and low energy of evaporation. This allows U to be produce fairly easily. THe problem comes in U enrichment to produce the energy useful isotope. BIG contrifuges. Iran has lots!