Nuclear Physics

SESM6032

Nucleon

protons and neutrons

^{A _Z} X

A=N+Z A = mass number, Z = atomic number, N= neutron number

Binding Energy

energy required to separate atom into its constituent nucleons and electrons

Isotope

Atom with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons

Isotopes of Hydrogen

Protium 11H, Deuterium 21H, Tritium 31H

Half Life

Time taken for the activity of a radioactive substance to half

Scattering

fast incoming neutron collides with a static target nucleus, controlled by the scattering cross-section

Radiative Capture

neutron absorbed with gamma ray emitted, controlled by the capture cross-section

Neutron-Induced Fission

neutron strikes heavy unstable nucleus, completely destroys nucleus splitting into 2 smaller unstable nuclei. Governed by fusion cross-section

Thermal Neutron

slow moving neutron with high probability of fusion

Function of Water

used as coolant and moderator in nuclear reactors, as a light element it slows fast neutrons

Control Rods

used to increase/decrease fission events by inserting or removing from the reactor

Pressurized Water Reactor

nuclear fission reactor in which a closed container with high pressure is used with a secondary HEX cycle

Boiling Water Reactor

nuclear fission reactor in which steam is directly used to drive a turbine to generate electricity, pressure controls the flow and water level which impacts power generation

Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor

high temperature CO2 coolant increases thermal efficiency. Requires enriched uranium with lower fuel burnout balancing the thermal gain.

Tokamak

Hot plasma in a ‘doughnut’ controlled by a magnetic field, used in nuclear fusion

Helion

coils used to accelerate and collide two balls of plasma in nuclear fusion