Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts. The component parts are neutrons and protons, which are collectively called nucleons. The binding energy of nuclei is always a positive number, since all nuclei require net energy to separate them into individual protons and neutrons.

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Nuclear energy

high-enriched uranium

Energy; Nuclear energy

Uranium enriched to at least 20 percent uranium-235 (a higher concentration than exists in natural uranium ore).

noble gas

Energy; Nuclear energy

A gaseous chemical element that does not readily enter into chemical combination with other elements. An inert gas. Examples are helium, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

neutron source

Energy; Nuclear energy

Any material that emits neutrons, such as a mixture of radium and beryllium, that can be inserted into a reactor to ensure a neutron flux large enough to be distinguished from background to register ...

neutron leakage

Energy; Nuclear energy

Neutrons that escape from the vicinity of the fissionable material in a reactor core. Neutrons that leak out of the fuel region are no longer available to cause fission and must be absorbed by ...

neutron chain reaction

Energy; Nuclear energy

A process in which some of the neutrons released in one fission event cause other fissions to occur. There are three types of chain reactions: (1) Nonsustaining--An average of less than one fission ...

neutron generation

Energy; Nuclear energy

The release, thermalization, and absorption of fission neutrons by a fissile material and the fission of that material producing a second generation of neutrons. In a typical nuclear power reactor ...

net maximum dependable capacity

Energy; Nuclear energy

The gross maximum dependable capacity of the main generating unit in a nuclear power reactor, minus the amount used to operate the station. Net maximum dependable capacity is measured in watts unless ...