Concepts and Definitions Prof Mark Lester Exam Part B Example
A neutron of mass m moving with velocity v collides head-on and elastically with a stationary nucleus of mass M.
(a) Show that the velocity of the nucleus after the collision, U, is given by
U= 2m v (m+M)
(b) Hence show that the neutron loses a fraction f of its energy where
f= 4mM (m+M)
10marks 5 marks
(c) A fast neutron enters a target of carbon nuclei which may be assumed to have masses 12 times that of the neutron. How many head-on collisions will it take
before the neutron loses 95% of its energy?
4 marks
(d) Suggest one reason why in a real reactor a neutron is likely to make more
collisions with the moderator nuclei before losing this much energy
2 marks