Properties Of Neutron

Overview

Neutrons decay into a proton, electron, and neutrino. They cannot ionize gases but are highly penetrating particles. Neutrons can expel high-speed protons from various materials and are classified as fast or slow based on their energy levels. Fast neutrons can induce nuclear reactions, while slow neutrons emit gamma radiations when hitting copper.

Questions and Answers

  1. What happens when a free neutron decays?

    A free neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino.

  2. What materials can neutrons expel high-speed protons from?

    Neutrons can expel high-speed protons from paraffin, water, paper, and cellulose.

  3. What are fast neutrons and slow neutrons based on their energy levels?

    Neutrons with energy below 1ev are called slow neutrons, while those with energy 1.2 MeV are called fast neutrons.

  4. What happens when fast neutrons are used as projectiles?

    A fast neutron can eject an alpha particle from the nucleus of a nitrogen atom, producing boron and alpha particles.

  5. What happens when slow-moving neutrons hit copper metal?

    When slow-moving neutrons hit copper metal, gamma radiations are emitted, converting radioactive copper into zinc.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. Which of the following is true about neutrons?

    a) Neutrons can ionize gases
    b) Neutrons are not penetrating particles
    c) Neutrons decay into a proton, electron, and neutrino
    d) Neutrons are more effective for fission purposes when slow
    Answer: d) Neutrons are more effective for fission purposes when slow

  2. Which statement is correct about the energy of neutrons?

    a) Fast neutrons are more effective for fission
    b) Slow neutrons are less penetrating
    c) Neutrons with energy below 1ev are called fast
    d) Slow neutrons are usually more effective for fission purposes
    Answer: d) Slow neutrons are usually more effective for fission purposes

  3. What happens when neutrons are used as projectiles in nuclear reactions?

    a) They decay into protons
    b) They ionize the target material
    c) They emit gamma radiations
    d) They can carry out nuclear reactions by ejecting particles
    Answer: d) They can carry out nuclear reactions by ejecting particles

  4. Which material can expel high-speed protons when hit by neutrons?

    a) Iron
    b) Aluminum
    c) Gold
    d) Paraffin, water, paper, and cellulose
    Answer: d) Paraffin, water, paper, and cellulose

  5. Which type of neutrons are produced when neutrons travel with energy below 1ev?

    a) Fast neutrons
    b) Slow neutrons
    c) Thermal neutrons
    d) Ultrafast neutrons
    Answer: b) Slow neutrons