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

thermal neutron

Energy; Nuclear energy

A neutron that has (by collision with other particles) reached an energy state equal to that of its surroundings, typically on the order of 0.025 eV (electron volts).

net electric generation

Energy; Nuclear energy

The gross amount of electric energy produced by a generating station, minus the amount used to operate the station. Note: Electricity required for pumping at pumped-storage plants is regarded as ...

lixiviant

Energy; Nuclear energy

A liquid medium used to selectively extract (or leach) uranium from ore bodies where they are normally found underground (in other words, in situ). This liquid medium, which typically contains an ...

continentality

Energy; Nuclear energy

In climatology, the degree to which a point on the earth's surface is in all respects subject to the influence of a landmass; the opposite of oceanicity (or oceanity). Continentality usually refers ...

classes of waste

Energy; Nuclear energy

Classification of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) according to its radiological hazard. The classes include Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the least hazardous and accounting for 96 percent ...

yellowcake

Energy; Nuclear energy

The solid form of mixed uranium oxide, which is produced from uranium ore in the uranium recovery (milling) process. The material is a mixture of uranium oxides, which can vary in proportion and ...

x-rays

Energy; Nuclear energy

Penetrating electromagnetic radiation (photon) having a wavelength that is much shorter than that of visible light. These rays are usually produced by excitation of the electron field around certain ...