Neutron Emission

Neutron emission typically occurs in certain heavy isotopes, particularly those that are neutron-rich. These isotopes may be naturally occurring or artificially created in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. In some cases, neutron emission happens as a secondary process after a nuclear reaction, such as fission, where the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei is accompanied by the release of free neutrons.

1. During spontaneous fission, Californium-252 decays into Tellurium-137 and Palladium-107, emitting 8 free neutrons in the process.

Cf-252 → Te-137 + Pd-107 + 8n

2. Uranium-235 absorbs a neutron and splits into Barium-141 and Krypton-92, along with the emission of 3 neutrons, which can further sustain the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.

U-235 + n → Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3n

3. Plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron and splits into Cesium-144 and Rubidium-94, emitting 3 neutrons in the process.

Pu-239 + n → Cs-144 + Rb-94 + 3n

• Nuclear Energy: Neutron emission is essential in sustaining chain reactions in nuclear reactors, where it drives the fission process to generate electricity.
• Environmental Monitoring and Archaeology: Emitted neutrons are used to identify and quantify trace elements in various materials, aiding in fields like environmental monitoring and archaeology.
• Medical Treatments: Neutron beams from neutron-emitting sources are used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to target and destroy cancer cells more precisely than traditional radiation therapy.