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

photon

Energy; Nuclear energy

A quantum (or packet) of energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays and x-rays are examples of photons.

performance-based regulation

Energy; Nuclear energy

A regulatory approach that focuses on desired, measurable outcomes, rather than prescriptive processes, techniques, or procedures. Performance-based regulation leads to defined results without ...

personnel monitoring

Energy; Nuclear energy

The use of portable survey meters to determine the amount of radioactive contamination on individuals, or the use of dosimetry to determine an individual's occupational radiation dose.

periodic table

Energy; Nuclear energy

An arrangement of chemical elements in order of increasing atomic number. Elements of similar properties are placed one under the other, yielding groups or families of elements. Within each group, ...

performance-based regulatory action

Energy; Nuclear energy

Licensee attainment of defined objectives and results without detailed direction from the NRC on how these results are to be obtained. (See the Communication Plan for Performance-Based Regulation by ...

performance indicator

Energy; Nuclear energy

A quantitative measure of a particular attribute of licensee performance that shows how well a plant is performing when measured against established thresholds. Licensees submit their data quarterly; ...

scram

Energy; Nuclear energy

The sudden shutting down of a nuclear reactor, usually by rapid insertion of control rods, either automatically or manually by the reactor operator. Also known as a reactor trip, “scram” is actually ...