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.

Industry: Energy

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Nuclear energy

watthour

Energy; Nuclear energy

An unit of energy equal to one watt of power steadily supplied to, or taken from, an electrical circuit for one hour (or exactly 3. 6x10 3 J).

waste classification

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 ...

uranium conversion facility

Energy; Nuclear energy

A facility that receives natural uranium in the form of ore concentrate (known as “yellowcake”) and converts it into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), in preparation for fabricating fuel for nuclear ...

void

Energy; Nuclear energy

In a nuclear power reactor, an area of lower density in a moderating system (such as steam bubbles in water) that allows more neutron leakage than does the more dense material around it.

very high radiation area

Energy; Nuclear energy

An area accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels exceed 500 rad (5 gray) in one hour at 1 meter from the source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates (see 10 CFR 20. 1003).

void coefficient of reactivity

Energy; Nuclear energy

A rate of change in the reactivity of a water reactor system resulting from a formation of steam bubbles as the power level and temperature increase.

viability assessment

Energy; Nuclear energy

A decisionmaking process used by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) to assess the prospects for safe and secure permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste in an excavated, underground ...