Thermal Cross Sections: Find Info on Boric Acid, O2, Uranium, Water, etc.

In summary, a thermal cross section is a measure of the likelihood of a particle interacting with a thermal neutron at a specific energy level. It is determined through experiments or simulations and is used to describe the probability of a reaction occurring between a neutron and a particular substance. The thermal cross section of boric acid is approximately 600 barns and can vary for different isotopes of the same element. Oxygen has a relatively low thermal cross section of 0.0002 barns due to its low atomic number and lack of absorption of thermal neutrons. The thermal cross section of a substance can change depending on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the energy level of the neutron.
  • #1
virgileso
5
0
Where can I get reliable information on the cross section of various substances: boric acid, O2, Uranium, water, etc?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think this is a re-issue of the famous BNL Barn Book (an 11" by 17" book with a barn on the cover), that had plots of the thermal cross sections of all elements and isotopes:
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/atlas/
Bob S
 
  • #3


There are several reliable sources where you can find information on the thermal cross sections of various substances such as boric acid, O2, uranium, water, and others. Some of these sources include scientific journals, government websites, and databases.

One of the most comprehensive and reliable sources for thermal cross section data is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Data Section. The IAEA maintains a database called the International Reactor Dosimetry and Fusion File (IRDFF) which contains thermal cross section data for a wide range of isotopes, including boric acid, O2, uranium, and water. This database is regularly updated and is widely used by researchers and practitioners in the nuclear industry.

Another reliable source for thermal cross section data is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website. NIST maintains a database called the Standard Reference Data (SRD) which contains a wide range of physical and chemical data, including thermal cross sections for various substances. The data in this database is regularly updated and can be accessed for free.

In addition to these sources, there are also several scientific journals that publish articles on thermal cross section data. Some examples include the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, Nuclear Science and Engineering, and Nuclear Technology. These journals can be accessed through academic databases such as JSTOR or through university libraries.

It is important to note that the reliability of the information on thermal cross sections may vary depending on the source. Therefore, it is recommended to cross-reference data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.

In summary, the IAEA, NIST, and scientific journals are reliable sources for thermal cross section data for substances such as boric acid, O2, uranium, water, and others. It is also important to verify information from multiple sources for accuracy.
 

1. What is a thermal cross section?

A thermal cross section is a measure of the likelihood of a particle interacting with a thermal neutron at a specific energy level. It is typically used in nuclear physics to describe the probability of a reaction occurring between a neutron and a specific material.

2. How is the thermal cross section of a substance determined?

The thermal cross section of a substance is typically determined through experiments or simulations that measure the interaction between thermal neutrons and the substance. This data is then used to calculate the cross section value.

3. What is the thermal cross section of boric acid?

The thermal cross section of boric acid is approximately 600 barns (1 barn = 10^-24 cm^2). This value may vary slightly depending on the energy level of the thermal neutron.

4. How does the thermal cross section of oxygen (O2) compare to other substances?

The thermal cross section of oxygen is relatively low at 0.0002 barns. This is due to its relatively low atomic number and the fact that it does not readily absorb thermal neutrons.

5. Can the thermal cross section of a substance change?

Yes, the thermal cross section of a substance can vary depending on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the energy level of the neutron. It can also vary for different isotopes of the same element.

Similar threads

  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
310
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
238
Replies
17
Views
812
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
0
Views
959
Back
Top