Chapter 3 - RADIATION SOURCES

Abstract

Publisher Summary Primary radiation is defined as the radiation that results from nuclear fission: It includes the gamma radiation from the decay of the radioactive fission products. Secondary radiation includes all other sources of radiation. An important component of secondary radiation is the gamma radiation generated in the shield materials themselves because of the interaction of the primary neutrons with the materials of the shield: The greatest source of primary neutrons in an operating reactor lies in the prompt neutrons that are released virtually simultaneously with the fission event. There are three significant sources of nuclear radiations: (1) nuclear reactors, (2) radioactive sources, and (3) particle accelerators. Nuclear energy is also released in a fusion reaction in which two lighter, less stable nuclei combine to produce at least one heavier, more stable nucleus.