neutron-activation analysis
Quick Summary
Neutron-activation analysis is a method used to identify the chemical elements within a material. This technique involves bombarding the material with neutrons, which causes some of its atoms to become radioactive. These radioactive atoms then emit radiation that is characteristic of the specific elements present. This process is also known as neutron activation. Neutrons are uncharged particles with a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. They can interact with atomic nuclei in various ways, including scattering and absorption, leading to the formation of new elements or radioactive isotopes.123
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