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

hot spot

Energy; Nuclear energy

The region in a radiation/contamination area where the level of radiation/contamination is significantly greater than in neighboring regions in the area.

fuel recycling

Energy; Nuclear energy

The processing of reactor fuel to separate the unused fissionable material from waste material. Reprocessing extracts isotopes from spent nuclear fuel so they can be used again as reactor fuel. ...

hot

Energy; Nuclear energy

A colloquial term meaning highly radioactive.

highly enriched uranium

Energy; Nuclear energy

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

high-level radioactive waste (HLW)

Energy; Nuclear energy

The highly radioactive materials produced as byproducts of fuel reprocessing or of the reactions that occur inside nuclear reactors. HLW includes: * Irradiated spent nuclear fuel discharged from ...

high radiation area

Energy; Nuclear energy

Any area with dose rates greater than 100 millirems (1 millisievert) in one hour 30 centimeters from the source or from any surface through which the ionizing radiation penetrates. Areas at licensee ...