ATOMIC PILE Meaning and
Definition
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An atomic pile refers to a type of nuclear reactor design used for the purpose of creating a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction. Also known as a pile or atomic reactor, it is typically constructed in the form of a stack of materials consisting of a moderator and a fuel. The moderator is responsible for slowing down the fast-moving neutrons emitted during fission, allowing them to cause further fission reactions. The fuel, often containing enriched uranium or plutonium, serves as the source of the nuclear reaction.
In operation, an atomic pile functions by producing a controlled chain reaction within its core. This core typically consists of materials that can slow down neutron movement during fission, known as moderators. By slowing down, these neutrons increase the likelihood of colliding with other atomic nuclei and triggering additional fission reactions. This process, known as criticality, allows for the sustained release of energy.
Atomic piles served as early experimental models for nuclear reactors, and the concept has since evolved to generate electricity. However, their utilization has been largely replaced by more efficient and safer reactor designs for commercial power generation. Nevertheless, atomic piles played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of nuclear technology, contributing to scientific research, development of military applications, and advancing our understanding of nuclear physics.
Common Misspellings for ATOMIC PILE
- ztomic pile
- stomic pile
- wtomic pile
- qtomic pile
- aromic pile
- afomic pile
- agomic pile
- ayomic pile
- a6omic pile
- a5omic pile
- atimic pile
- atkmic pile
- atlmic pile
- atpmic pile
- at0mic pile
- at9mic pile
- atonic pile
- atokic pile
- atojic pile
Etymology of ATOMIC PILE
The word "atomic pile" originates from the early days of nuclear power and is the precursor to what we now commonly refer to as a "nuclear reactor". The term "atomic pile" was originally coined by Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist, and Nobel laureate, who is often credited with building the first controlled nuclear chain reaction.
The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Atomic: The word "atomic" comes from the Greek word "atomos", which means indivisible. In the context of nuclear science, it refers to the nucleus of an atom, the small, central part that contains protons and neutrons.
2. Pile: The term "pile" has its roots in Middle English and Old English. Originally, it referred to a heap or mound of something, such as a pile of stones or a woodpile.
Similar spelling words for ATOMIC PILE
- atomic mass,
- atomic clock,
- atomic reactor,
- atomic bomb,
- atomistic,
- atomic power,
- atomic energy,
- atomic weight,
- atomic theory,
- atomic physics,
- atomistical,
- atomic warhead,
- atomic number.
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