(n-p) reaction

An (n-p) reaction is a type of nuclear reaction where a neutron interacts with a nucleus, resulting in the emission of a proton and the formation of a new nucleus with one less proton and one more neutron. It is denoted as (n,p). This is a common type of nuclear transmutation.

In this reaction, a neutron is captured by the target nucleus. This neutron capture forms a compound nucleus. The compound nucleus is in an excited state and subsequently decays by emitting a proton. The resulting nucleus is an isotope of the element with an atomic number one less than the original target nucleus.

The (n,p) reaction is an endothermic reaction in many cases, requiring the neutron to have a certain minimum kinetic energy (threshold energy) to overcome the Coulomb barrier of the target nucleus and facilitate the proton emission. However, for light nuclei or neutron-rich nuclei, the reaction can sometimes be exothermic. The cross-section (probability) of an (n,p) reaction depends on the energy of the incident neutron and the properties of the target nucleus.

(n,p) reactions are important in various fields, including nuclear physics research, nuclear reactor technology, and medical isotope production. They can be used to create radioactive isotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine. They also play a role in the transmutation of elements in nuclear reactors and can influence the long-term radioactivity of nuclear waste. Furthermore, they provide valuable information about the structure and properties of atomic nuclei.