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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.

Contributors in Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy

Radiology

Energy; Nuclear energy

That branch of medicine dealing with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiant energy, including x-rays and radioisotopes.

Radiopharmaceutical

Energy; Nuclear energy

A pharmaceutical drug that emits radiation and is used in diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures. Radioisotopes that have short half-lives are generally preferred to minimise the radiation dose ...

Reactor trip

Energy; Nuclear energy

A term that is used by pressurised water reactors for a reactor scram (see Scram).

Reactor oversight process (ROP)

Energy; Nuclear energy

The process by which the NRC monitors and evaluates the performance of commercial nuclear power plants. Designed to focus on those plant activities that are most important to safety, the process uses ...

Reactor core

Energy; Nuclear energy

The central portion of a nuclear reactor, which contains the fuel assemblies, moderator, neutron poisons, control rods, and support structures. The reactor core is where fission takes place.

Reactor coolant system

Energy; Nuclear energy

The system used to remove energy from the reactor core and transfer that energy either directly or indirectly to the steam turbine.

Radioisotope

Energy; Nuclear energy

An unstable isotope of an element that decays or disintegrates spontaneously, thereby emitting radiation. Approximately 5,000 natural and artificial radioisotopes have been identified.

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