Neutron Proton Hit: What Happens to Electron?

In summary, when fast neutrons collide with isolated protons, the proton's kinetic energy is transferred to the neutron and the proton recoils. This can be detected by a geiger counter. The electron, on the other hand, is left without an atomic core to relate to and will drift until it is captured somewhere. The proton's recoil will also cause ionization and the creation of mobile electrons which emit photons that can be measured by photodetectors to determine levels of radiation.
  • #1
marts
4
0
Hi everybody

When fast neutrons hit isolated protons (eg. hydrogen cores in paraffin) the neutrons kinetic energy is transferred to the proton (as they have aproximatly the same mass), which is detectable by a geiger counter, while the neutron is stoped.

Thats how far I got after several days of searching the net. But no article tells me what happens to the hydrogens electron, which is now left without a atomic core to relate to.

I haven't been able to come up with a sensible solution myself, so I'm asking you guys whether you have any idea.

Thanks for your replies
Martin
 
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  • #2
The electron's binding is so small with respect to MeV, that it is just left alone by itself.
It will drift until it is captured somewhere.
The neutron is not "stopped" the n and the p recoil as in any elastic collision.
 
  • #3
Only if the neutron smacks the proton head on, with the velocity vector aligned the protons cm would the neutron lose maximum energy and be close to stopping. Most of the time, the reaction is one of scattering.

The proton recoils and it's positive charge will excite and ionize other atoms in the material through which it recoils. Where the proton comes to rest, it would represent a net positive charge, and the electron would represent a net negative charge where it remained. But in between there is a line of mobile and excited electrons, so there will be a cascade of mobile electrons which move to retain charge neutrality. In the process, photon are emitted and it is these photons that enable photodectors to measure levels of radiation.
 

1. What is a Neutron Proton Hit and what happens to the Electron?

A Neutron Proton Hit is a collision between a neutron and a proton, which are two subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. When this collision occurs, the neutron and proton may combine to form a new type of particle, or they may simply scatter off in different directions. The electron, which orbits the nucleus, is not directly affected by this collision.

2. Does the Electron's orbit change when a Neutron Proton Hit occurs?

No, the electron's orbit remains the same when a Neutron Proton Hit occurs. This is because the electron is not directly involved in the collision between the neutron and proton. However, if the collision causes a change in the nucleus, it can indirectly affect the electron's orbit.

3. Can a Neutron Proton Hit result in the creation of a new element?

Yes, a Neutron Proton Hit can result in the creation of a new element. When a neutron and proton combine, they can form a new type of particle called a deuteron. If this deuteron combines with other particles, it can ultimately result in the creation of a new element.

4. How does the energy of a Neutron Proton Hit affect the outcome?

The energy of a Neutron Proton Hit can affect the outcome in several ways. It can determine whether the neutron and proton will combine to form a new particle or scatter off in different directions. Additionally, the energy can also determine the stability of any new particles formed and whether they will decay into other particles.

5. Are there any real-world applications of Neutron Proton Hits?

Yes, there are several real-world applications of Neutron Proton Hits. In nuclear reactors, controlled Neutron Proton Hits are used to produce energy through nuclear fission. In medical imaging, Neutron Proton Hits can be used to create images of the inside of the body. Additionally, scientists also study Neutron Proton Hits to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter and the interactions between particles.

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