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Neutron radiation is a form of ionizing radiation that presents as free neutrons. Typical phenomena are nuclear fission or nuclear fusion causing the release of free neutrons, which then react with nuclei of other atoms to form new nuclides—which, in turn, may trigger further neutron radiation. Free neutrons are unstable, decaying into a proton, an electron, plus an electron antineutrino. Free neutrons have a mean lifetime of 887 seconds (14 minutes, 47 seconds).[1]
Neutron radiation is distinct from alpha, beta and gamma radiation.[2]
- ^ Yue, A. T.; Dewey, M. S.; Gilliam, D. M.; Greene, G. L.; Laptev, A. B.; Nico, J. S.; Snow, W. M.; Wietfeldt, F. E. (27 November 2013). "Improved Determination of the Neutron Lifetime". Physical Review Letters. 111 (22): 222501. arXiv:1309.2623. Bibcode:2013PhRvL.111v2501Y. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.222501. PMID 24329445. S2CID 17006418.
- ^ "What Are The Different Types of Radiation?".