YAD-013 · Radiation and matter. Nuclear reactions Sample material

Neutron reactions and their applications

Neutron sources and neutron-induced reactions: radiative capture, emission of charged particles, fission of heavy nuclei and the chain reaction; practical applications of nuclear reactions — activation analysis, radioisotope production, thermonuclear fusion.

Estimated time: 3 h 4 activities

Learning objective

Know neutron sources and the types of neutron reactions.
Understand the distribution of fission energy, the neutron multiplication factor and the conditions for a chain reaction.
Learn to apply the activity build-up law in activation analysis and radioisotope production.
Know the physical basis of thermonuclear fusion and nuclear reactors.

Expected outcomes

Can calculate fission energy from masses and estimate reactor fuel consumption.
Can determine the reactor state (subcritical, critical, supercritical) from k.
Can calculate post-irradiation activity with A = σΦN(1 − e^(−λt)).
Can compare the energetics of fusion and fission.

Interactive modelUranium fission and the chain reaction
Interactive modelThermonuclear fusion

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Nuclear reactions involving neutrons
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Thermonuclear reactions. Nuclear reactors
Self-study · 6 h 40 min · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Nuclear reactions involving neutrons
  • Final test — at least 70%