TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

THERMAL NEUTRON [1 record]

Filter results by subject field Alphabetical list of terms

Filter results by subject field

Alphabetical list of terms

Record 1 2009-03-01

English

Subject field(s)
  • Atomic Physics
DEF

A neutron in thermal equilibrium with its surrounding environment.

CONT

Thermal neutrons are those that have been slowed down by a moderator to speeds characteristic of the local temperature.

CONT

The moderators consist of nuclei which are light and don't absorb neutrons. The neutrons hit the moderator, and bounce off, but in the process they lose a little energy. After enough such bounces, the neutrons are no faster than expected from their temperature. They are called "thermal neutrons" to reflect the fact that they have slowed down to thermal velocities. In summary: Fast neutrons bounce off the moderator and become thermal (slow) neutrons.

OBS

Thermal neutrons ... By slowing ... down, they have a greater chance of colliding with a nucleus of another atom, thereby causing more fissions to occur.

OBS

thermal neutron: term standardized by ISO.

French

Domaine(s)
  • Physique atomique
DEF

Neutron essentiellement en équilibre thermique avec le milieu dans lequel il se trouve.

CONT

On appelle «neutrons lents» les neutrons ralentis par un grand nombre de chocs, en général dans le milieu modérateur. Leur énergie est de l'ordre de l'électronvolt ou d'une fraction d'électronvolt. Quand l'énergie des neutrons est de l'ordre de celle des atomes du milieu avoisinant, les neutrons sont dits thermiques.

OBS

Le neutron est, avec le proton, l'un des constituants du noyau de l'atome. Il en est le partenaire. Il est instable en dehors du noyau. Dénué de charge électrique, il n'est sensible qu'aux forces nucléaires. Étant électriquement neutre, il est facilement capté dans le noyau, y déclenchant des réactions nucléaires.

OBS

neutron thermique : terme normalisé par l'AFNOR et l'ISO.

Spanish

Campo(s) temático(s)
  • Física atómica
CONT

[...] mediante choques repetidos con átomos de ciertas sustancias (moderadores), [los neutrones rápidos] son frenados hasta que su energía se cuenta en centísmos de electrovoltio y que su velocidad sea del orden de la agitación térmica. Son entonces neutrones térmicos o lentos capaces de producir y entretener la reacción de cadena.

Save record 1

Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2024
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

Display options

Change the order of display of the official languages of Canada
Option to display the non-official languages (Spanish or Portuguese)
Display definitions, contexts, etc., on records

Features

Language Portal of Canada

Access a collection of Canadian resources on all aspects of English and French, including quizzes.

Writing tools

The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.

Glossaries and vocabularies

Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.

Date Modified: