Neutron activation

Neutron activation is a nuclear process in which an atomic nucleus captures one or more neutrons and, in doing so, changes into another isotope or element. This process is a key component of nuclear reactor operation and nuclear medicine.

Process

Neutron activation occurs when a nucleus absorbs, or "captures", a neutron. This process can result in a nucleus with too many neutrons, leading to instability and the emission of a beta particle. This beta decay transforms a neutron into a proton, creating a new element.

The process of neutron activation is fundamental to the operation of nuclear reactors, where it is used to produce radioactive isotopes for power generation and other applications. It is also used in the production of medical isotopes for radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging.

Applications

Nuclear reactors

In nuclear reactors, neutron activation is used to produce fissionable material from non-fissionable isotopes. This is done by bombarding the non-fissionable isotope with neutrons, causing it to absorb a neutron and become a fissionable isotope.

Nuclear medicine

In nuclear medicine, neutron activation is used to produce radioactive isotopes for use in medical treatments and diagnostics. For example, the isotope technetium-99m is produced by neutron activation of molybdenum-98.

See also

• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear fusion
• Radioactive decay
• Radiation therapy
• Diagnostic imaging