Yeshebejere said:or is it like the conservation of energy wherein something will maintain its energy level only if interacted with. ie with no atoms to strike a neutron will continue on indefinitely at the same energy. yes?
Neutrons are neutral particles; they interact through collisions with atomic nuclei. Electrons/positrons and alpha particles are charged, and therefore interact coulombically with atomic electrons and occasionally with nuclei. In those interactions, the neutron or charge particle will lose kinetic energy.hebejere said:this is really basic I know but i would like to know if a neutron ,positron or alpha particle of a given energy will lose energy and velocity as it travels through space would atmospheric molecules have a significant effect as well on velocity/energy level. and if they do lose energy what form is that energy in?
The velocity of a neutron is directly related to its energy, which is determined by its mass and speed. A change in energy will result in a change in velocity. Time and distance also play a role, as the velocity and energy of a neutron can change over a certain period of time or distance traveled.
The velocity of a neutron is a crucial factor in its ability to penetrate materials. Neutrons with higher velocities are more likely to pass through materials, while neutrons with lower velocities are more likely to be absorbed or scattered by the material.
Yes, a neutron's velocity can be controlled and manipulated through various methods, such as using magnetic fields or nuclear reactions. This is important in fields such as nuclear power and research, where precise control of neutron velocities is necessary.
As a neutron travels a certain distance, its energy may change due to interactions with other particles or materials. This change in energy can be measured and used to study the properties of the material or particles the neutron encountered.
The study of neutron velocity and energy is crucial in many scientific fields, including nuclear physics, materials science, and particle physics. Understanding and controlling neutron velocities is key to unlocking new discoveries and advancements in these fields.