What is the Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The key difference between neutron capture and neutron absorption lies in the nuclear reactions they describe. While both processes involve the combination of a nucleus and a neutron to form a compound nucleus, the methods of combination are different:
- Neutron capture refers to the (n, gamma) reaction, where a collision occurs between a nucleus and a neutron, resulting in the capture of the neutron by the nucleus and the subsequent emission of a gamma-ray photon. This process is also known as "radiative capture". Neutron capture is a common way of producing radioactive isotopes.
- Neutron absorption refers to any reaction involving the formation of a compound nucleus, including the (n, gamma) reaction, fission, and other reactions that are not just scattering. In the neutron absorption process, a fission occurs. Neutron absorptions produce an isotope that decays by beta emission.
In summary:
- Neutron capture involves a collision between a nucleus and a neutron, resulting in the capture of the neutron and the emission of a gamma-ray photon.
- Neutron absorption involves any reaction involving the formation of a compound nucleus, including fission and other reactions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption? Comparative Table: Neutron Capture vs Absorption
Comparative Table: Neutron Capture vs Absorption
Here is a table comparing the differences between neutron capture and neutron absorption:
Process | Description | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Neutron Capture | A collision occurs between a nucleus and a neutron, forming a compound nucleus. | - Involves the (n, gamma) reaction. - Results in the formation of unstable nuclei, which may undergo nuclear decay and form other fissile nuclei. |
Neutron Absorption | A fission occurs between a nucleus and a neutron, forming a compound nucleus. | - Involves any reaction involving the formation of a compound nucleus, including capture, fission, and other reactions that aren't scattering. - Generally follows the kinetics of fission reactions. - The end product tends to divide into two parts while releasing some energy. |
Both neutron capture and neutron absorption are nuclear reactions that involve the combination of a nucleus and a neutron to form a compound nucleus. However, the method of combination is different. Neutron capture is a specific reaction used in nuclear reactors, while neutron absorption is a more general term that includes various reactions involving the formation of a compound nucleus.
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- Atomic Absorption vs Atomic Emission
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- Emission vs Absorption Spectra
- Absorptance vs Absorbance
- Absorption Spectrum vs Emission Spectrum
- Neutron vs Neutrino
- Absorbance vs Fluorescence
- Proton vs Neutron
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy vs UV Visible Spectroscopy
- Electron vs Neutron Diffraction
- Flame Emission Spectroscopy vs Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- Absorption vs Stripping
- Absorption vs Assimilation
- Absorptivity vs Molar Absorptivity
- Optical Density vs Absorbance
- Action Spectrum vs Absorption Spectrum
- Absorbance vs Transmittance