Prompt neutron
Under a prompt neutron is understood in the nuclear physics and nuclear engineering an immediately upon cleavage of an atomic nucleus liberated neutron . About 99% of the fission neutrons are released as prompt neutrons within 10 −14 s.
The fission fragments that occur during nuclear fission emit the remaining 1% of the neutrons as delayed neutrons after a few milliseconds to minutes . These 1% delayed neutrons are extremely important for the peaceful use of nuclear fission, since without them the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor would not be controllable.
See also: critical mass , criticality , multiplication factor , prompt critical , delayed neutron
literature
- Gerhard Musiol et al .: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics VCH, 1988, ISBN 3-527-26886-3
- Theo Mayer-Kuckuk: Kernphysik , 7th edition, Teubner, 2002, ISBN 3-519-13223-0