A neutron is characterized by the term "thermal neutron" when
A) its energy is of the order kT, where T is on the order of 0°C.
B) its energy is of the order kT, where T is on the order of 0 K.
C) its energy is of the order kT, where T is on the order of 273°C.
D) its energy is of the order kT, where T is on the order of 100°C.
E) its energy is of the order kT, where T is on the order of 0°R.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thermal neutrons are defined by their kinetic energy being similar to the ambient thermal energy of the environment, which is often approximated by kT, where T is around room temperature or approximately 0°C (273 K). This makes them slower and more likely to be captured by atomic nuclei.

A Neutron Is Characterized by the Term "Thermal Neutron" When