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wdlang
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can anyone give an example in which a nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes a stable nucleus?
or the combination must break into parts?
or the combination must break into parts?
Vanadium 50 said:H + n --> D + gamma
There is usually a prompt gamma released upon a neutron combining with a nucleus. The product nucleus increases it's mass, but by less than the mass of the neutron. The gamma represents the binding energy needed to remove that neutron.wdlang said:can anyone give an example in which a nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes a stable nucleus?
or the combination must break into parts?
Neutrons are moderated to thermal energies in order to take advantage of the higher fission cross-section of U-235 (or Pu-239) for thermal neutrons. The resonance absorption of neutrons is just a complication in a moderated system. Fission neutrons are born in the MeV range, and must be slowed to < 0.1 eV to take advantage of the high cross-sections in the thermal range.snorkack said:Uranium 238 is supposed to have resonant capture of neutrons at 7 eV, which is why it is so important to moderate neutrons to thermal speed before uranium 238 captures them.
The energy 7 eV or 9 eV has nothing to with the nuclear energy levels within the nucleus, only with the neutron energy. If U-238 absorbs 7 eV or 9 eV neutron, the emitted capture (or prompt) gamma would have the same energy. However, each nuclei has a unique spectrum of capture gammas, meaning that the nucleus has a number of internal excited states, which would be reflected in the subsequent decay of that nucleus.Does it mean that uranium 239 has an excited state exactly 7 eV above uranium 238?
If uranium 238 absorbs neutrons at, say, 9 or 10 eV, will the nuclei be emitting light rather than gamma rays?
The process of nucleus absorption of neutron is when a neutron is captured by the nucleus of an atom, causing the atom to become unstable and potentially undergo a nuclear reaction.
Nucleus absorption of neutron is important because it plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions and energy production. It is also essential in understanding the properties of different elements and their stability.
The nucleus absorbs a neutron through the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This force binds the nucleons (protons and neutrons) together in the nucleus.
Factors such as the energy and velocity of the neutron, the stability of the nucleus, and the presence of other particles can affect the rate of nucleus absorption of neutron.
The potential outcomes of nucleus absorption of neutron include the formation of a heavier and more stable isotope, the release of energy in the form of heat or radiation, and the triggering of a chain reaction in nuclear power plants or nuclear weapons.