High-enriched uranium

Uranium that is enriched to above 20% uranium-235 (u-235). Weapons-grade heu is enriched to above 90% in u-235. (chemical/biological/radiological incident handbook, central ...

highly enriched uranium

Energy; Energy trade

Any form of uranium with a uranium-235 concentration of 20% or higher. The 20% enrichment level has been established as a threshold above which material assumes particular ...

uranium

Energy; Nuclear energy

A radioactive element with the atomic number 92 and, as found in natural ores, an atomic weight of approximately 238. The two principal natural isotopes are uranium-235 (which ...

uranium

Energy; Energy trade

The heaviest naturally occurring element (atomic number 92). It is metallic and slightly radioactive. Its only substantial use today is as a raw material for generating ...

alpha particle

Energy; Nuclear energy

A positively charged particle ejected spontaneously from the nuclei of some radioactive elements. It is identical to a helium nucleus that has a mass number of 4 and an ...

attenuation

Energy; Nuclear energy

The process by which the number of particles or photons entering a body of matter is reduced by absorption and scattered radiation.

binding energy

Energy; Nuclear energy

The minimum energy required to separate the nucleus of an atom into its component neutrons and protons.

chain reaction

Energy; Nuclear energy

A reaction that initiates its own repetition. In a fission chain reaction, a fissionable nucleus absorbs a neutron and fissions spontaneously, releasing additional neutrons. ...

condenser

Energy; Nuclear energy

A large heat exchanger designed to cool exhaust steam from a turbine below the boiling point so that it can be returned to the heat source as water. In a pressurized-water ...

annual limit on intake (ALI)

Energy; Nuclear energy

As defined in Title 10, Section 20.1003, of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 20.1003), ALI is the derived limit for the amount of radioactive material taken into the body ...