A beam of neutrons is normally incident on a homogeneous slab that is 6-cm thick

Question

A beam of neutrons is normally incident on a homogeneous slab that is 6-cm thick. The

intensity of neutrons transmitted through the slab without interaction is measured to be

30% of the incident intensity.

a) What is the effective attenuation coefficient (macroscopic cross-section), St for the

slab material?

b) What is the average distance a neutron travels in this material before undergoing an

interaction (also known as the mean free path)?

Will rate, need an answer quickly so I'm offering a LOT of points.  Please include how you arrived at each answer for credit.  Thank you.

Explanation / Answer

We will use the Beer Lambert Law.

I = I' e^(-xa)

where I = intensity of transmitted light
I' = initial intensity
x = thickness
a = attenuation coefficient

0.3 = e^(-0.06*a)

a = 20


Mean free path = thickness * number of neutrons

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.