B How Does Cadmium Absorb Neutrons?

[Mary curie]

Hello guys ! How are you ?
So, I am a senior student and we're studying nuclear transformations.
Well long story short our teacher tell us that in a nuclear reactor we make a surface with cadium to absorb the neutrons !
And than a problem was created in my head ! Please help ! I don't understand how this Cd "absorb " neutrons! ?
Thank you and have nice day ![emoji4] [emoji4] [emoji4]

 

[mfb]

The neutrons hit the cadmium nuclei and get absorbed. The new nucleus then emits a photon (or sometimes more) as it goes to its new ground state.

There is no need to use multiple exclamation and question marks everywhere, the forum will display a single one (and also a period) without any issues.

 

[Mary curie]

Oh sorry about it ...( :( )
Actually the problem is that I don't understand this process of absorption is it a chemical reaction or what ?

 

[mfb]

It is a nuclear reaction as it happens in the nucleus. To understand it properly you'll need some quantum mechanics. Otherwise just imagine adding one more thing (a neutron) to an existing pile of other things (protons and neutrons in the cadmium nucleus).

 

[DrClaude]

So, I am a senior student and we're studying nuclear transformations.

Senior in high school or college?

Actually the problem is that I don't understand this process of absorption is it a chemical reaction or what ?

You know that the nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons? When a neutron hits the nucleus of some elements, it can "stick there," be absorbed.

 

[Mary curie]

Oh thank you It's clear now !
And yeah high school but not in usa I'm from Morocco

 

[Mary curie]

Senior in high school or college?You know that the nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons? When a neutron hits the nucleus of some elements, it can "stick there," be absorbed.

I am in high school but not in usa I am from Morocco[emoji4] [emoji4] [emoji4]

 

[nikkkom]

don't understand how this Cd "absorb " neutrons?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_capture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_poison

 

[Mary curie]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_capture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_poison

Thank you soooo match