Neutron capture

Neutron capture is a nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus absorbs a neutron and emits a gamma ray. This process can lead to the creation of a new element, known as a transmutation. Neutron capture plays an important role in the nuclear fission process, as well as in the stellar nucleosynthesis that occurs in stars.

Process

Neutron capture occurs when a nucleus absorbs a neutron. This process can occur in two ways: either through the s-process (slow process) or the r-process (rapid process). In the s-process, the nucleus has time to decay via beta decay before another neutron is captured, while in the r-process, the nucleus captures several neutrons in rapid succession before it has time to decay.

Applications

Neutron capture has several important applications. It is a key process in nuclear fission, where it can lead to the release of large amounts of energy. It is also used in the production of certain isotopes, such as plutonium-239, which is used in nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors.

In addition, neutron capture is a crucial process in stellar nucleosynthesis, the process by which new elements are created in stars. This process is responsible for the creation of many of the elements heavier than iron in the universe.

See also

• Nuclear reaction
• Nuclear fission
• Stellar nucleosynthesis
• s-process
• r-process

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