N
Nitrogen
Z = 7 · Nonmetal · 14.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Present in air, UO₂ fuel (as impurity), and nitride fuels (UN). Thermal absorption (σ_a = 1.9 b) produces radioactive C-14 via ¹⁴N(n,p)¹⁴C, a significant long-lived waste concern. Used in some gas-cooled reactor cover gas systems.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 7
- Standard atomic mass
- 14.0 u
- Category
- Nonmetal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-14 | 14 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| N-15 | 15 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |