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

anticipated transient without scram (ATWS)

Energy; Nuclear energy

An ATWS is one of the "worst case" accidents, consideration of which frequently motivates the NRC to take regulatory action. Such an accident could happen if the scram system (which provides a highly ...

dose

Energy; Nuclear energy

A general term, which may be used to refer to the amount of energy absorbed by an object or person per unit mass. Known as the “absorbed dose,” this reflects the amount of energy that ionizing ...

doppler coefficient

Energy; Nuclear energy

Another name used for the "fuel temperature coefficient of reactivity," or the change in reactivity per degree of change in the temperature of nuclear fuel. The physical property of fuel pellet ...

differential pressure (dP)

Energy; Nuclear energy

The difference in pressure between two points of a system, such as between the inlet and outlet of a pump.

deuteron

Energy; Nuclear energy

The nucleus of deuterium. It contains one proton and one neutron. See also Heavy water (D2O).

deuterium

Energy; Nuclear energy

An isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in the nucleus.

deterministic effect

Energy; Nuclear energy

The health effects of radiation, the severity of which varies with the dose and for which a threshold is believed to exist. Radiation-induced cataract formation is an example of a deterministic ...