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Neutron Emission

Neutron emission is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable atomic nucleus releases a neutron. This process occurs when the nucleus has an excess of neutrons or when it is excited to a higher energy state due to prior reactions, making it energetically favorable to emit a neutron.

The emitted neutron does not ionize atoms directly. However, free neutrons can induce further reactions in nearby nuclei, leading to chain reactions. This reaction is very different from other types of radioactive decay, such as alpha decay and beta decay, where charged particles are emitted.

Neutron Emission

How does Neutron Emission Occur

Neutron emission typically occurs in certain heavy isotopes, particularly those that are neutron-rich. These isotopes may be naturally occurring or artificially created in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. In some cases, neutron emission happens as a secondary process after a nuclear reaction, such as fission, where the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei is accompanied by the release of free neutrons.

Examples

1. During spontaneous fission, Californium-252 decays into Tellurium-137 and Palladium-107, emitting 8 free neutrons in the process.

Cf-252 → Te-137 + Pd-107 + 8n

2. Uranium-235 absorbs a neutron and splits into Barium-141 and Krypton-92, along with the emission of 3 neutrons, which can further sustain the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.

U-235 + n → Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3n

3. Plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron and splits into Cesium-144 and Rubidium-94, emitting 3 neutrons in the process.

Pu-239 + n → Cs-144 + Rb-94 + 3n

Applications

  • Nuclear Energy: Neutron emission is essential in sustaining chain reactions in nuclear reactors, where it drives the fission process to generate electricity.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Archaeology: Emitted neutrons are used to identify and quantify trace elements in various materials, aiding in fields like environmental monitoring and archaeology.
  • Medical Treatments: Neutron beams from neutron-emitting sources are used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to target and destroy cancer cells more precisely than traditional radiation therapy.

Article was last reviewed on Monday, September 9, 2024

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