Thermal Neutron Capture from 55Mn to 56Mn

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the process of thermal neutron capture to produce 56Mn from 55Mn in a reactor. A 2g sample of 55Mn is subjected to a thermal neutron flux of 3E13 neutrons/cm²*s for 8 hours. Participants are tasked with calculating the amount and activity of 56Mn upon removal from the reactor and its subsequent activity during transport to a hospital. The key challenge identified is the application of neutron flux to determine the production rate of 56Mn.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reactions, specifically thermal neutron capture.
  • Familiarity with radioactivity concepts, including decay and half-life.
  • Knowledge of flux calculations in nuclear physics.
  • Ability to perform mole and activity calculations in nuclear chemistry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the production rate of 56Mn using the thermal neutron flux and the number of 55Mn molecules.
  • Learn about the half-life of 56Mn to determine its decay during transport.
  • Explore the use of decay equations to calculate remaining activity over time.
  • Investigate neutron capture cross-sections for 55Mn to understand reaction probabilities.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in nuclear physics, radiochemistry, and medical physics who are involved in radioisotope production and decay calculations.

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Homework Statement


In a reactor, we're making 56Mn by inducing thermal neutron capture.
2g sample of 55Mn is put into the reactor which has a flux of thermal neutrons of 3E13 neutrons/cm^2*s

Sample is in the reactor for 8 hours and then removed.

a. Calculate the amount and activity of the 56Mn at the moment of its removal.
b. Calculate the activity of the sample after its two hour trip from the reactors to the hospital.


Homework Equations


This is the part I'm having trouble with

I've got the number of molecules of 55Mn we start with.
N(55Mn) = 2.192*10^22 molecules

I am given the thermal neutron flux, but I'm not sure how to use that piece of information to get the production rate of 56Mn.


As for part b, I think I'll be able to get that once I get the N0, I should be able to use half life of 56Mn to get the numbers, but I'm stuck on part A and can't progress further.




The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I've got the number of molecules of 55Mn we start with.N(55Mn) = 2.192*10^22 moleculesI am given the thermal neutron flux, but I'm not sure how to use that piece of information to get the production rate of 56Mn.
 

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