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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

Nuclear radiation

Energy; Nuclear energy

Energy given off by matter in the form of tiny fast-moving particles (alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons) or pulsating electromagnetic rays or waves (gamma rays) emitted from the nuclei of ...

Nuclear power plant

Energy; Nuclear energy

An electrical generating facility using a nuclear reactor as its heat source to provide steam to a turbine generator.

Research and test reactor

Energy; Nuclear energy

A nuclear reactor that is used for research, training, or development purposes (which may include producing radioisotopes for medical and industrial uses) but has no role in producing electrical ...

Highly enriched uranium

Energy; Nuclear energy

Uranium enriched to at least 20 percent uranium-235 (a higher concentration than exists in natural uranium ore).

Noble gas

Energy; Nuclear energy

A gaseous chemical element that does not readily enter into chemical combination with other elements. An inert gas. Examples are helium, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

Neutron source

Energy; Nuclear energy

Any material that emits neutrons, such as a mixture of radium and beryllium, that can be inserted into a reactor to ensure a neutron flux large enough to be distinguished from background to register ...

Neutron leakage

Energy; Nuclear energy

Neutrons that escape from the vicinity of the fissionable material in a reactor core. Neutrons that leak out of the fuel region are no longer available to cause fission and must be absorbed by ...

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