What are Uses of Neutrons?

Neutrons are a part of the nucleus of an atom. The number of neutrons governs the isotope of the atom. Isotopes of any atom share the same number of protons, but they may differ in the number of neutrons. Neutrons are vital in holding the nucleus together, as a strong nuclear force between protons is overpowered by the repulsion between the positively charged protons.

Following are the most important uses of Neutrons :

Nuclear Power Generation

Neutrons play a significant role in the field of nuclear power generation in connection with the fission reaction. In nuclear reactors, the uranium or plutonium atoms engage in the process of fission as they are bombarded by neutrons and split into two smaller fragments, freeing a huge amount of energy. These fusion reactions are crucial for a sustained chain reaction and create enough heat to produce steam that further drives the turbines to generate power.

Nuclear Weapons

Neutrons are known to be the major participants in a nuclear explosion. In an explosion of nuclei, thousands of neutrons are “released” through a chain reaction, which in turn brings about a rapid fission of nuclear atoms in uranium-235 or plutonium-239. These events cascade into an enormous amount of energy in the form of a nuclear explosion.

Neutron Imaging and Tomography

Neutron imaging devices allow for the visualization of the inside of materials without damaging them in any way. Neutrons are highly penetrating and they are sensitive to light elements, especially hydrogen, and thus are of high interest to imaging materials that are of low atomic numbers. Neutron radiography and tomography have found applications in discrete fields including the exploration and study of materials, archaeology, geology, biology, and others.

Neutron Scattering

Neutron scattering experiments are much more precise research instruments that are designed to look into the structural and dynamic properties of materials at the atomic or molecular levels. By studying the scattering of a neutron beam off a probe sample as shown in the patterns, scientists can derive information about the sequencing of atoms, magnetic properties, molecular motion, and others. Neutron scattering methods cover ambient atmospheres such as neutron diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and neutron reflectometry that fall within the scope of condensed matter physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)

Neutron activation analysis is a analytical method that quantifies the elemental composition of materials via the activation process of neutrons. The neutron flux will make nuclei in these samples undergo the activation process, where certain nuclei will later decay, yielding gamma rays.

We can as a result get accurate measurements of the distribution of different elements known to emit gamma rays by detecting the emissions. NAA is a very handy tool in Earth science, forensic analysis, archaeology, and material characterization.

Neutron Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Neutron capture therapy (NCT), is nuclear radiation therapy which is now being tested on cancer patients. It comprises neutron irradiating of cancer cells which have an absorbed liquid boron(10) atom inside these cells.

Through the absorption of boron-10 by neutrons, the release of alpha particles along with the lithium nuclei is caused, which destroys tumor cells with the highest efficiency but does not affect normal healthy tissues nearby. NCT is a morally unlikely approach for treating cancers, although the study of benefits and drawbacks continues to improve efficacy and minimize side effects.

In NCT, cancer cells have the unique possibility to be irradiated with slow-moving neutrons. The boron-10 isotope is enriched and selectively absorbed by tumor cells that convert neutrons into a cascade of high-energy particles. These particles induce cell damage that specifically kills cancerous cells but spares surrounding healthy tissue. Applying NCT in cancer treatment, especially for brain tumors, highlights the advantages of using this technology over conventional radiation therapy and could lead to a decreased occurrence of side effects.

Neutron Activation for Material Testing

Changes in radiation patterns also take place through neutron activation and accurate identification of properties of such materials other than defect locations is possible.

This method makes it possible to test materials in reverse so durability and performance are thoroughly assessed in extreme surroundings like space or locations subjected to high pressure and extreme temperatures like nuclear reactors.

Neutrons are subatomic particles that are essential for the construction of matter. First identified by James Chadwick in 1932, neutrons are one of the three basic particles that comprise atoms, along with electrons and protons.

In this article, we are going to learn about the uses of neutrons in everyday life.