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

Risk-based decisionmaking

Energy; Nuclear energy

An approach to regulatory decisionmaking that considers only the results of a probabilistic risk assessment.

Risk

Energy; Nuclear energy

The combined answer to three questions that consider (1) what can go wrong, (2) how likely it is, and (3) what its consequences might be. These three questions allow the NRC to understand likely ...

Restricted area

Energy; Nuclear energy

Any area to which access is controlled for the protection of individuals from exposure to radiation and radioactive materials.

Renewable resources

Energy; Nuclear energy

Natural, but limited, energy resources that can be replenished, including biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind. These resources are virtually inexhaustible but limited in the amount of energy ...

Reflector

Energy; Nuclear energy

A layer of material immediately surrounding a reactor core that scatters back (or reflects) into the core many neutrons that would otherwise escape. The returned neutrons can then cause more fissions ...

Reference man

Energy; Nuclear energy

A person with the anatomical and physiological characteristics of an average individual that is used in calculations assessing internal dose (also may be called "standard man").

Reactivity

Energy; Nuclear energy

A term expressing the departure of a reactor system from criticality. A positive reactivity addition indicates a move toward supercriticality (power increase). A negative reactivity addition ...