Cadmium

Nuclear Engineering Significance

Strong thermal neutron absorber (σ_a = 2,520 b) with a sharp absorption edge at 0.5 eV — the "cadmium cutoff." Used in control elements, thermal neutron filters, and the cadmium ratio technique for spectrum characterization. The cadmium cutoff energy is a fundamental concept in reactor physics measurements.

Atomic number (Z)

48

Standard atomic mass

112.4 u

Category

Transition Metal