A thermal neutron having speed v impinges on a235 nucleus. The reactio...
Understanding Neutron Interaction with Nuclei
When a thermal neutron collides with a nucleus, such as U-235, the likelihood of a reaction occurring is described by the reaction cross-section. This cross-section is influenced by various factors, one of which is the speed of the neutron.
Reaction Cross-Section and Speed
- The reaction cross-section (\( \sigma \)) can be thought of as an effective target area that quantifies the probability of a neutron interacting with a nucleus.
- As the speed (\( v \)) of the neutron increases, the rate at which it encounters the target nucleus also increases.
Dependence on Speed
The relationship between reaction cross-section and neutron speed can be derived from the kinetic theory of gases and the principles of nuclear physics.
- Proportionality to \( v^{-1} \): The reaction cross-section is inversely proportional to the speed of the neutron. This means that as the speed increases, the effective area for interaction decreases.
- Mathematically, this can be represented as:
\[
\sigma \propto \frac{1}{v}
\]
- This relationship arises because faster neutrons have shorter interaction times with the nucleus, reducing the chance of a successful reaction.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer to the question of how the reaction cross-section is proportional to the speed of a thermal neutron impinging on a U-235 nucleus is option A: \( v^{-1} \). Understanding this relationship is crucial in nuclear physics and applications like nuclear reactors and radiation shielding.