O
Oxygen
Z = 8 · Nonmetal · 16.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Major constituent of oxide fuels (UO₂, MOX, ThO₂), water moderator/coolant, and concrete shielding. Extremely low thermal absorption (σ_a = 0.00019 b). The ¹⁶O(n,α) reaction at high energies is relevant in fast spectrum calculations.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 8
- Standard atomic mass
- 16.0 u
- Category
- Nonmetal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-16 | 16 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| O-17 | 17 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| O-18 | 18 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |