Recent content by Explorer_99

Thank you, QuantumPion! I'm aware of the chemistry picture you're drawing. However , I'm not aware of an analog structure in the kernel. That looks like the perfect answer to my question on absorbing neutrons. Then anybody can look at the structure of atoms and easily identify good, better and...

Thank you, mfb! When you say: "some atoms which caught neutrons might undergo beta decay" I wonder about "some" and "might". Are there some that are likely to and others that will never? Do we know, which is which? And the "might" is it more a surprise or do we know the exact conditions that...

Thank you, QuantumPion! I like your explanation. When you say "neutron absorption cross section" then I take it to mean cross section at the absorber atom level, not thickness of absorber material. I envision a sponge-like function for neutrons in an absorber. There may be more room for extra...

Thank you, mfb! With my question, I'm looking mainly at Beta and Gamma Radiation and then at Alpha Radiation. You are right, it should have said fission not fusion. I was hoping to find one material that's best for all three. With what you've said so far it sure looks more involved.

In a nuclear power plant, absorbers are used to control the fusion process. To be more precise, absorbers slow down the process. Some materials qualify as absorbers, one I remember is silver. What I would like to know is: What makes a material a good radiation absorber? How can the...