When a fast neutron collides with a hydrogen or deuterium nucleus, the most likely result is that
A) the neutron has an appreciable gain in kinetic energy, the gain being greatest for head-on collisions.
B) the neutron has an appreciable gain in kinetic energy, the gain being greatest for oblique collisions.
C) the neutron has an appreciable loss in kinetic energy, the loss being greatest for head-on collisions.
D) the neutron has an appreciable loss in kinetic energy, the loss being greatest for oblique collisions.
E) the neutron is absorbed by the hydrogen or deuterium nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a fast neutron collides with a hydrogen or deuterium nucleus (both of which have similar masses to the neutron), the neutron is most likely to lose kinetic energy, especially in head-on collisions, due to the conservation of momentum and energy. This is analogous to a billiard ball hitting another of equal mass.

When a Fast Neutron Collides with a Hydrogen or Deuterium