nuclear fission — fission (def. 2). [1885 90] * * * Division of a heavy atomic nucleus into two fragments of roughly equal mass, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy, the binding energy of the subatomic particles. The energy released in the… … Universalium
Neutron temperature — A chart displaying the speed probability density functions of the speeds of a few noble gases at a temperature of 298.15 K (25 C). An explanation of the y axis label appears on the image page (click to see). Similar speed distributions are… … Wikipedia
Nuclear chain reaction — A possible nuclear fission chain reaction. 1. A uranium 235 atom absorbs a neutron, and fissions into two new atoms (fission fragments), releasing three new neutrons and a large amount of binding energy. 2. One of those neutrons is absorbed by an … Wikipedia
Fissile — In nuclear engineering, a fissile material is one that is capable of sustaining a chain reaction of nuclear fission. All known fissile materials are capable of sustaining a chain reaction in which either thermal or slow neutrons or fast neutrons… … Wikipedia
radiation — radiational, adj. /ray dee ay sheuhn/, n. 1. Physics. a. the process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves. b. the complete process in which energy is emitted by one body, transmitted through an intervening medium or space, and… … Universalium
radiation measurement — ▪ technology Introduction technique for detecting the intensity and characteristics of ionizing radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma rays or neutrons, for the purpose of measurement. The term ionizing radiation refers to those… … Universalium
nuclear reactor — Physics. reactor (def. 4). Also called nuclear pile. [1940 45] * * * Device that can initiate and control a self sustaining series of nuclear fission reactions. Neutrons released in one fission reaction may strike other heavy nuclei, causing them … Universalium
Mathematics and Physical Sciences — ▪ 2003 Introduction Mathematics Mathematics in 2002 was marked by two discoveries in number theory. The first may have practical implications; the second satisfied a 150 year old curiosity. Computer scientist Manindra Agrawal of the… … Universalium
nuclear weapon — an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei. [1945 50] * * * or atomic weapon or thermonuclear weapon Bomb or other warhead that derives its force … Universalium
Free neutron — Elementbox name=neutron number=0 symbol=n0 left= right=hydrogen above= below=helium series=noble gas group=18 period=0 block= appearance=colourless atomic mass= [1] electron configuration=0s0 electrons per shell=0 phase=gas density gplstp=… … Wikipedia
Radioactive waste — 2007 ISO radioactivity danger logo, designed in part for long term radioactive waste depositories which might survive into a far future time in which all knowledge of the meaning of present common radiation danger symbols and signs has been lost… … Wikipedia