Thermal neutron

A thermal neutron is a free neutron with a kinetic energy level of less than 0.025 eV (approx. 4.0e-21 J). They are named 'thermal' as this level of kinetic energy, which is similar to the average kinetic energy of a room-temperature gas.

Thermal neutrons have a much larger effective cross-section than fast neutrons, and can therefore be absorbed more easily by any atomic nuclei that they collide with, creating a heavier - and often unstable - isotope of the element as a result.

Most fission reactors use a neutron moderator to slow down, or thermalize the neutrons that are emitted by nuclear fission so that they are more easily captured, causing further fission. Others, called fast breeder reactors, use fast neutrons directly.

See also

• List of particles
• nuclear reaction
• Thermal reactor

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