Neutron beam

THIS ARTICLE IS A STUB. You can learn more about this topic in the related articles below.

Learn More in these related articles:

branch of physics dealing with the theory and applications of the wave behaviour of neutrons, the electrically neutral subatomic particles that are present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen. Neutron optics involves studying the interactions of matter with a beam of free...
neutral subatomic particle that is a constituent of every atomic nucleus except ordinary hydrogen. It has no electric charge and a rest mass equal to 1.67493 × 10 −27 kg—marginally greater than that of the proton but nearly 1,839 times greater than that of the electron....
science that deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. In the broadest sense, physics (from the Greek physikos) is concerned with all aspects of nature on both the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels. Its scope of...
the science that deals with the properties, composition, and structure of substances (defined as elements and compounds), the transformations they undergo, and the energy that is released or absorbed during these processes. Every substance, whether naturally occurring or artificially produced,...
study of living things and their vital processes. The field deals with all the physicochemical aspects of life. The modern tendency toward cross-disciplinary research and the unification of scientific knowledge and investigation from different fields has resulted in significant overlap of the field...
any of a class of devices that can initiate and control a self-sustaining series of nuclear fission s. Nuclear reactors are used as research tools, as systems for producing radioactive isotope s, and most prominently as energy sources for nuclear power plants.
any device that produces a beam of fast-moving, electrically charged atomic or subatomic particles. Physicists use accelerators in fundamental research on the structure of nuclei, the nature of nuclear forces, and the properties of nuclei not found in nature, as in the transuranium elements and...
Beams of neutrons may also be used to measure crystal structure. The beam of neutrons is obtained by drilling a hole in the side of a nuclear reactor. The energetic neutrons created in nuclear fission escape through the hole. The motion of elementary particles is governed by quantum, or wave, mechanics. Each neutron has a wavelength that depends on its momentum. The scattering directions are...
...of neutrons, the electrically neutral subatomic particles that are present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen. Neutron optics involves studying the interactions of matter with a beam of free neutrons, much as spectroscopy represents the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. There are two major sources of free neutrons for neutron-beam production: (1) the...
Neutron beams may be produced in a variety of ways. A modern method is to extract a high-intensity beam from a nuclear reactor. A simpler but expensive device is one that employs a mixture of radium and beryllium. The reaction of the alpha (α) particles emitted by the radium with beryllium nuclei produces a copious output of neutrons. The neutron is a major nuclear constituent and is...
neutron beam
print bookmark mail_outline
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Harvard
  • Chicago
You have successfully emailed this.
Error when sending the email. Try again later.

Keep Exploring Britannica

Treatment and care of a patient for the purpose of both preventing and combating disease or alleviating pain or injury. The term comes from the Greek therapeutikos, which means...
Space Objects: Fact or Fiction
Take this Astronomy True or False Quiz at Encyclopedia Britannica to test your knowledge of space and celestial objects.
quantum mechanics
General Science: Fact or Fiction?
acid-base reaction
Electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation occurs over an extremely wide range of wavelengths, from gamma rays, with wavelengths...
launch vehicle
Science Randomizer
Take this Science quiz at Encyclopedia Britannica to test your knowledge of science using randomized questions.
game theory
Email this page