NP 1 - Nuclear Power and Dual-Use Technologies

Radioactivity

The spontaneous change in the composition of unstable nuclei by emitting particles.

Isotopes

Variants of the same element with different weights.

Nuclear fission

The process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei).

Nuclear chain reaction

A series of nuclear fissions, where the neutrons emitted can cause subsequent fissions.

Critical mass

The smallest amount of fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

Nuclear weapon (NW)

An explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions.

Fission weapon

A nuclear weapon based on fission reactions.

Thermonuclear weapon

A nuclear weapon based on fusion reactions, which is more powerful than a fission weapon.

Nuclear fuel cycle (NFC)

The process of producing nuclear fuel and managing spent fuel and waste.

Depleted uranium

Uranium that has a lower percentage of the fissile isotope 235U than natural uranium.

Plutonium

A chemical element produced in reactors and used in nuclear weapons.

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF)

Used fuel that has been irradiated in a reactor, containing a variety of radioactive isotopes.

Nuclear reactor

A device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and related technology.

Gun-type nuclear weapon

A type of nuclear weapon design that uses conventional explosives to fire one piece of fissile material into another.

Implosion-type nuclear weapon

A design that uses shaped charges to compress a sub-critical mass of fissile material into a supercritical state.

Natural thorium

Thorium that consists of 100% 232Th, available in greater abundance than uranium.

Uranium enrichment

The process of increasing the fraction of the fissile isotope 235U in uranium.

Vulnerable stages of NFC

Stages in the nuclear fuel cycle, such as enrichment and reprocessing, that could be exploited for weapon production.

Nuclear safety

Measures taken to ensure proper operating conditions and prevent accidents in nuclear power plants.

Nuclear security

Measures of accounting, control, and physical protection of nuclear materials.

Non-proliferation

Preventing the military use of nuclear materials and technologies.

Nuclear power plant (NPP)

A facility that produces electricity via nuclear reactions.