3%20Neutrons%20-%202010.pptVIP

Neutrons Nuclear Reactions A nuclear reaction is a process in which a change in composition and/or energy of a target nucleus is brought about by the bombardment with a nuclear particle or γ ray. X + a ? Y + b + Q Targetnucleus Bombardingprojectile Residual nucleus Emittedparticle Q-value of a reaction Q = [MX + Ma – (MY + Mb)]c2 This is the energy yielded in a reaction. If Q 0, reaction is endothermic and needs extra energy in the form of kinetic energy of “a” to make it go. If Q 0, reaction is exothermic Q = KE of final system – KE of initial system Threshold Energy of a Reaction KE of final system = Ea + Q But threshold energy is not Ea = - Q sincein this case the reaction product would be produced at rest and conservation of linear momentum would be violated. Threshold energy can be readily calculated in the centre of mass system since the total momentum is always zero in this system. Centre of Mass m1 C m2 Threshold energy for reaction: Types of Reaction The main class of reaction which concerns us is the Compound Nucleus type. This occurs in 2 steps: First an incoming projectile is captured, resulting in the formation of an intermediate or compound nucleus in a highly excited state. A short time later (~10-12 sec) the compound nucleus is de-excited by one of the following: (i) the emission of the same incoming particle (ii) emission of a different particle (iii) emission of a γ ray. For a neutron reaction this would be: AX(n,?) Cross-section for Reactions Nuclear reaction cross-sections depend critically on the energy of the incident particle and the composition of the target. In many reactions the cross-sections exhibit very pronounced peaks called resonances, corresponding to energies at which the particular reaction is more favourable. These resonances are closely related to the energy levels of the Compound Nucleus. Between resonances a compound nucleus is not formed and “hard sphere” scattering takes place Interaction of Neutrons with Matter