neutron attenuation

Neutron attenuation refers to the reduction in the number of neutrons as they pass through a material. When neutrons travel through matter, they can be absorbed by atoms or scattered in different directions. This process depends on the material’s composition and density. High-density materials like concrete or metals tend to have higher attenuation, meaning fewer neutrons make it through. This property is important in applications like radiation shielding and nuclear reactors, where controlling neutron penetration helps protect people and equipment from radiation exposure. Overall, neutron attenuation measures how effectively a material can block or weaken neutron radiation.