THERMAL NEUTRON Meaning and
Definition
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A thermal neutron is a subatomic particle that is released during nuclear reactions, typically in the context of nuclear energy and nuclear fission. Neutrons are known to have no charge, and they play a pivotal role in various nuclear processes due to their ability to easily penetrate atomic nuclei.
Thermal neutrons specifically refer to neutrons with energies comparable to the average thermal energy of the surrounding material. These neutrons have relatively lower kinetic energies compared to their faster counterparts, such as fast neutrons or energetic neutrons. The term "thermal" arises from the fact that these neutrons reach thermal equilibrium with their surroundings, meaning they have kinetic energies similar to the atoms and molecules in the medium.
The kinetic behavior of thermal neutrons is mainly governed by interactions with atomic nuclei. These interactions can lead to different consequences, such as scattering, absorption, or induced fission. In nuclear reactors, thermal neutrons are crucial for sustaining a controlled nuclear chain reaction. They are efficiently absorbed by fissile isotopes, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, initiating a fission process and releasing energy as well as additional neutrons.
Furthermore, thermal neutrons are utilized in various scientific applications, including neutron diffraction and radiography, as their lower kinetic energy allows for better interactions and analysis at the atomic and molecular level. Overall, thermal neutrons have significant importance in nuclear energy generation, scientific research, and industrial applications due to their distinctive energy level and interaction characteristics.
Etymology of THERMAL NEUTRON
The word "thermal neutron" is derived from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "heat". In physics, "thermal" refers to any substance or particle in a state of equilibrium with its surrounding temperature. A neutron is an elementary particle without an electric charge that is found in the nucleus of an atom. When referring to a thermal neutron, it signifies a neutron that has kinetic energy matching the average energy of the particles in a system at thermal equilibrium.
