thermal neutrons

Thermal neutrons are slow-moving neutrons that are in thermal equilibrium with their surrounding environment, meaning they have energies similar to surrounding molecules at room temperature. Their low energy makes them effective in certain nuclear reactions, such as in nuclear reactors and research reactors. Because they move more slowly, they are more likely to be captured by atomic nuclei, enabling controlled nuclear reactions. Essentially, thermal neutrons are neutrons that have lost much of their initial energy and are "thermalized" to the temperature of their surroundings, making them useful for specific scientific and industrial applications.