Neutron diffusion theory

Neutron diffusion theory describes how neutrons move within a nuclear reactor. When neutrons are released during fission, they spread out randomly through the reactor material, similar to how particles diffuse in a liquid. The theory models this movement mathematically, accounting for factors like collisions with atoms, absorption, and the likelihood of causing more fission events. Understanding neutron diffusion helps engineers control the chain reaction, ensuring the reactor runs safely and efficiently, by predicting how neutrons distribute and sustain the nuclear process.