Interpretation of Cross Section of p,n reaction mb or mb/MeV

In summary, the speaker is sharing their findings on a cross section data of a proton and oxygen reaction. The total cross section for the (p,n) reaction is 4.372mb, but the cross section for emitting neutrons within certain energy ranges is significantly lower. There is a discussion on the correct way to present the cross section, with some confusion about the units and a missing factor of 10.
  • #1
flied
22
1
Dear Forum :

I'm reading a cross section data of 20MeV proton + 16O reaction from ICRU 63.
( as attachment and link http://ppt.cc/qf-9 )
The total cross setion of (p,n) reaction is 4.372mb
However, the cross section of emitting neutron of energy between 0 to 1.5MeV is 0.91 mb / MeV.
The cross section of emitting neutron between 1.5 to 2.5 MeV is 2.3 mb / MeV .

But how can the cross section be written as 0.91 or 2.3 mb / MeV, because as 20 MeV proton, it would give a
cross section of 18.2 and 46 mb, which is larger than the total (p,n) reaction
Is it the correct or just the traditional way to present the cross section as mb / MeV ?
 

Attachments

  • ICRU630031.jpg
    ICRU630031.jpg
    38 KB · Views: 733
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think the MeV refers to the neutron energy.
So you have (1.5*0.91)mb for a neutron between 0 and 1.5 MeV (is there a factor 10 missing?).
 
  • #3
thanks mfb,

(1.5*0.91)mb for a neutron between 0 and 1.5 MeV should be correct.
Summation of (1.5*0.91) + 2.3 + 0.75 equals to the total (p,n) reaction cross section.
BTW, which part of factor 10 missing?
 
  • #4
Oh, I did not see the "-1". 0.91 is fine.
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot
 

1. What is the significance of the cross section in the p,n reaction?

The cross section in the p,n reaction represents the likelihood of a proton-nucleus interaction resulting in a neutron being emitted. It is a measure of the probability of this reaction occurring and is typically expressed in units of millibarns (mb).

2. How is the cross section of the p,n reaction measured?

The cross section of the p,n reaction is typically measured using particle accelerators and nuclear detectors. Protons are accelerated towards a target nucleus and the emitted neutrons are detected and counted. By varying the energy of the protons, the cross section can be determined at different energy levels.

3. What factors can affect the cross section of the p,n reaction?

The cross section of the p,n reaction can be influenced by a number of factors, including the energy of the protons, the target nucleus, and the angle of the collision. The presence of other particles or nuclear states can also affect the cross section.

4. How is the cross section of the p,n reaction related to the energy of the particles?

The cross section of the p,n reaction can be expressed in units of mb/MeV, which represents the cross section per unit of proton energy. This allows for a comparison of the cross section at different energy levels and can provide insight into the underlying nuclear processes.

5. What is the significance of studying the cross section of the p,n reaction?

Studying the cross section of the p,n reaction can provide valuable information about the nuclear structure and dynamics of a target nucleus. It can also help in understanding the underlying processes involved in nuclear reactions and can have practical applications in fields such as nuclear energy and medicine.

Similar threads

  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
11K
Back
Top