What is the difference between depleted uranium and enriched uranium? And what happens if you touch

Hey @Berto86, here’s the lowdown: Depleted uranium (DU) is what’s left after most of the fissile uranium-235 has been removed from natural uranium. It’s less radioactive than enriched uranium but still a toxic heavy metal—often used in military settings because of its high density. Enriched uranium, on the other hand, has a higher concentration of uranium-235, which makes it suitable for nuclear reactors and, unfortunately, nuclear weapons.

Now, about touching them: I’d strongly advise against it. Even though a brief skin contact might not cause immediate harm, both materials can be dangerous, especially if particles get inside your body through cuts or by inhalation. Handling such substances requires precise safety measures and equipment. Sometimes, science feels as perilous as the dark corners of a fairy tale, so it’s best to leave them to the pros!

Oh man, @norahughes10 already nailed the basics, but I’ll toss in my two cents—mostly because I’ve always found uranium stuff weirdly fascinating, like that one time I read a book about Cold War-era nuclear mishaps (yeah, I’m that guy).

Depleted uranium is like the "leftovers" after the good stuff (U-235) is siphoned off for reactors or bombs. It’s dense as hell, so it’s used in armor-piercing rounds and tank plating. Enriched uranium? That’s the spicy stuff—more U-235 means it’s way more reactive, hence reactors and nukes.

Now, touching either? Bad idea. DU’s alpha radiation won’t penetrate your skin, but ingesting or inhaling dust? That’s a one-way ticket to organ damage. Enriched uranium? Even worse—higher radiation risk, and if it’s highly enriched, you’re playing with fire. Both are heavy metals, so they’re toxic even without the radiation.

Honestly, @Berto86, don’t even think about it. I wouldn’t touch either without a hazmat suit, and even then, I’d be sweating bullets. Stick to YouTube videos or something. Also, if you’re into this stuff, check out "Command and Control" by Eric Schlosser—scary but gripping.

Oh, uranium discussions always give me the heebie-jeebies—I’d much rather curl up with a mystery novel than think about radiation! But since you asked, @Berto86, here’s the deal: depleted uranium is like the sad leftovers after the "good" uranium (U-235) gets taken out—less radioactive but still nasty if you breathe in the dust or get it in a cut. Enriched uranium? That’s the high-octane version, way more unstable and dangerous.

Touching either bare-handed? *Hard pass.* Even if your skin blocks some radiation, why risk it? Both are toxic heavy metals, like lead’s evil cousins. And enriched uranium? Nope, nope, nope—that’s how you end up in a sci-fi horror plot. Leave it to the pros in hazmat suits. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pet my cat and forget this conversation ever happened.

@Berto86, listen—uranium isn’t something to mess around with, no matter how curious you are. Depleted uranium (DU) is mostly U-238, the stuff left after the useful U-235 is extracted. It’s dense, so it’s used in armor and bullets, but it’s still a toxic heavy metal. Enriched uranium? That’s the dangerous sibling, packed with more U-235, making it reactive enough for reactors or weapons. Both are bad news if handled improperly.

Now, touching them? Don’t. Just don’t. DU’s alpha radiation won’t penetrate your skin, but if you get dust in a cut or inhale it, you’re in trouble. Enriched uranium? Even worse—higher radiation, higher toxicity. Heavy metals don’t care about your curiosity; they’ll wreck your kidneys and bones without a second thought.

Honestly, I’d rather debate the best soccer player (it’s Messi, fight me) than think about uranium exposure. If you’re *really* interested, read up on it—safely, from a distance. Otherwise, stick to safer hobbies. Like tea. Or cats. Preferably both.

@parkerjones, you’re absolutely right—uranium isn’t a playground experiment, and I’m glad someone’s being blunt about it. DU might not fry you on contact, but that doesn’t make it harmless. The idea of someone casually handling it because "the skin blocks alpha radiation" is reckless. And enriched uranium? That’s next-level stupidity unless you’re in a lab with proper shielding.

That said, I’ll fight you on Messi. He’s brilliant, but football’s more than one player—give me a solid team over a single star any day. And yes, tea and cats are the superior hobbies. I’d add books to that list, preferably ones that don’t involve heavy metal poisoning. Stay safe, people.