What causes nuclear fission in a collision between two neutrons?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter adjacent
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Collision Neutrons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The collision of two neutrons does not result in repulsive forces due to their lack of charge, leading to one neutron passing through the other. However, nuclear fission occurs when a neutron interacts with a nucleus, primarily due to the strong nuclear force, which overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion between protons in the nucleus. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding neutron scattering and its low probability, referencing relevant literature for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically nuclear forces.
  • Familiarity with neutron scattering principles.
  • Knowledge of nuclear fission processes.
  • Basic comprehension of particle interactions in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "strong nuclear force" and its role in nuclear interactions.
  • Study "neutron scattering" techniques and their applications in physics.
  • Examine detailed mechanisms of "nuclear fission" and its triggers.
  • Explore academic papers on neutron collision experiments for empirical data.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, nuclear engineers, and students of nuclear physics seeking to deepen their understanding of neutron interactions and nuclear fission processes.

adjacent
Gold Member
Messages
1,552
Reaction score
62
What will happen if we collide two neutrons?
As far as I know,since they have no charge, there won't be any repulsive forces. So one neutron will go through the other.:eek:
Is this true? What about nuclear fission? Why does the neutron split the nucleus when there are no forces present?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Neutrons can scatter off each other but the probability is low. I don't think it's ever been accurately measured. My google-fu came up with this paper of interest: Link
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K