Forest NucPhys I Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear Reactions

Types of Reactions

[math]a + X \rightarrow Y + b[/math]

elastic scattering

X & Y and a & b are the same particles, momentum and energy are conserved, typically all are in their ground state

In-elastic scattering

If Y or b are in an excited state, energy is not conserved it is used to excite one of the exiting particles.

Note

Elastic collisions are usually referred to as collisions and not nuclear reactions.

Direct Reactions

knockout reaction

a & b are the same but there are 3 total particles in the final state.

n + X \rightarrow Y + 3n = X(n,3n)Y

Transfer Reaction

a nuclear from projectile a is transfered to target X

Nuclear PhotoEffect

projectile a ejects a nucleon from target X

e - + Mo-100 \rightarrow Mo-99 + n + e- = X(e,e'n)Y

Compound reactions

Compound reaction

projectiel a is captured by target X forming an intermediate state which then decays, possibly through multiple excited nuclear states/species, to Y and b

This is typically a low energy reaction in which particle Y doesn't leave the target material but the intermediate state may be surmised at through the detection of particle b.

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