Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Science & Nature / Science / Chemistry / Physical Chemistry / Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption

Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption

January 25, 2020 Posted by Madhu

The key difference between neutron capture and absorption is that neutron capture refers to the combination of a neutron and a heavy nucleus via collision whereas neutron absorption refers to the formation of a compound nucleus when a nucleus completely absorbs a neutron.

Neutron capture and neutron absorption are two types of nuclear reactions. Both these process involve the combination of a nucleus and a neutron to form a compound nucleus; however, the method of combination is different from each other. In the neutron capture process, a collision occurs whereas, in the neutron absorption process, a fission occurs.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Neutron Capture 
3. What is Neutron Absorption
4. Side by Side Comparison – Neutron Capture vs Absorption in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Neutron Capture?

Neutron capture is a technique used in nuclear reactors where an atomic nucleus undergoes collision with a high-speed neutron. Here, an atomic nucleus of a heavy element collides with one or more neutrons and merge to form a heavier atomic nucleus. Thus, this process is very important in cosmic nucleosynthesis.

Neutron has no electrical charge. This means neutrons are neutral (which led to naming them as neutrons). Therefore, they can easily enter a foreign atomic nucleus. If they were positively charged as protons, then the protons already present in the nuclei will repel the incoming neutrons.

In systems where we can observe a small neutron flux (ex: nuclear reactor), an atomic nucleus captures a single neutron (other than capturing two or more neutrons). For example, when naturally occurring gold isotopes are irradiated by neutrons, an unstable isotope of gold forms in an excited state, which then quickly undergoes radioactive decay to obtain its ground state. Here, the mass number increases by one because 197Au converts into 198Au. Gamma rays are emitted during the radioactive decay process. Moreover, if we use thermal neutrons in this neutron flux, then the process is called thermal capture rather than neutron capture.

Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption

Figure 01: Neutron Capture Process in Stars

In systems where we can observe a high neutron flux, such as in stars, the atomic nuclei have no time for radioactive decay between neutron-capture processes. Therefore, the mass number of atomic nuclei rises gradually, rather than decreasing like in nuclear reactors. However, the atomic number stays the same because protons are not involved in this process. Hence, we can observe the same chemical element (the type of chemical element is determined by the atomic number).

What is Neutron Absorption?

Neutron absorption is a technique used in nuclear reactors in which an atom completely absorbs a neutron to form a compound nucleus. It is the most important type of nuclear reaction we use in nuclear reactors. Here, the mode of decay of the newly formed atomic nucleus does not depend on the method that the neutron absorption occurred. Therefore, we can observe a variety of emissions followed by the absorption. E.g. radioactive capture results in gamma radiation.Key Difference - Neutron Capture vs Absorption

Generally, the end product of neutron absorption reaction tends to divide into two parts while releasing some neutrons and a considerable amount of energy. This process primarily follows the kinetics of fission reactions.

What is the Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption?

Neutron capture and neutron absorption are two types of nuclear reactions. The key difference between neutron capture and absorption is that neutron capture refers to the combination of a neutron and a heavy nucleus via collision whereas neutron absorption refers to the formation of a compound nucleus when a nucleus completely absorbs a neutron.

Moreover, another significan difference between neutron capture and absorption is that in the neutron capture process, collision occurs whereas, in the neutron absorption process, fission occurs.

Difference Between Neutron Capture and Absorption in Tabular Form

Summary – Neutron Capture vs Absorption

Neutron capture and neutron absorption are two types of nuclear reactions. The key difference between neutron capture and absorption is that neutron capture refers to the combination of a neutron and a heavy nucleus via collision whereas neutron absorption refers to the formation of a compound nucleus when a nucleus completely absorbs a neutron.

Reference:

1. International, British Electricity. “Nuclear Physics and Basic Technology.” Nuclear Power Generation, 1992, pp. 1–110., doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-040519-3.50008-1.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Rapid neutron capture” By Daveturnr – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Alpha Decay” By Inductiveload – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

Related posts:

Difference Between Kinetic and End Point ReactionDifference Between Kinetic and End Point Reaction Difference Between Bar and BargDifference Between Bar and Barg Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi LevelDifference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level Key Difference - Critical Angle vs Acceptance AngleDifference Between Critical Angle and Acceptance Angle Difference Between Oxidation Potential and Reduction PotentialDifference Between Oxidation Potential and Reduction Potential

Filed Under: Physical Chemistry

About the Author: Madhu

Madhu is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc (Honours) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. With a mind rooted firmly to basic principals of chemistry and passion for ever evolving field of industrial chemistry, she is keenly interested to be a true companion for those who seek knowledge in the subject of chemistry.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

What is the Difference Between Polio and Paralysis

What is the Difference Between Polio and Paralysis

Difference Between Iodine and Potassium Iodide

Difference Between Iodine and Potassium Iodide

Difference Between Mob and Mafia

Difference Between Mob and Mafia

Difference Between Risk and Risky

Difference Between Risk and Risky

What is the Difference Between Helichrysum Italicum and Gymnocephalum

What is the Difference Between Helichrysum Italicum and Gymnocephalum

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Foundation and BB Cream
  • What is the Difference Between Cybrids and Hybrids
  • What is the Difference Between Hapten and Adjuvant
  • What is the Difference Between Omphalocele and Gastroschisis
  • What is the Difference Between Autonomic and Somatic Reflexes
  • What is the Difference Between Plagiocephaly and Craniosynostosis
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.