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

crud

Energy; Nuclear energy

A colloquial term for corrosion and wear products (rust particles, etc. ) that become radioactive (i.e., activated) when exposed to radiation. Because the activated deposits were first discovered at ...

criticality

Energy; Nuclear energy

The normal operating condition of a reactor, in which nuclear fuel sustains a fission chain reaction. A reactor achieves criticality (and is said to be critical) when each fission event releases a ...

critical organ

Energy; Nuclear energy

That part of the body that is most susceptible to radiation damage under the specific conditions under consideration.

critical mass

Energy; Nuclear energy

The smallest mass of fissionable material that will support a self-sustaining chain reaction.

counter

Energy; Nuclear energy

A general designation applied to radiation detection instruments or survey meters that detect and measure radiation. The signal that announces an ionization event is called a count.

cosmic radiation

Energy; Nuclear energy

A source of natural background radiation, which originates in outer space and is composed of penetrating ionizing radiation (both particulate and electromagnetic). The sun and stars send a constant ...