You asked two widely disparate questions, but there is a connection. 1) See: http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/esam/Chapter_5/section_3.html Light atomic weight elements have higher electron densities due to the nuclei's effective charge with regard to the orbital shells. This is a complicated geometric question of how the nucleons are arranged. The nucleus has a structure just as the electron orbital "shells" have one. 2) See: http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/resources/n-lengths/list.html. The neutron absorption of lead is not much compared to many other elements. And again this has to do with nucleus structure. Isotopic forms of the same element have wildly different absorption cross-sections. Neutron absorption is important to nuclear weapons design and nuclear energy. Here are some sites that do a great job at answering complicated questions such as this: http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/guidry/Math-9-94html/models.html http://forum.physorg.com
The four main elements in a nuclear reactor core are fuel rods (containing enriched uranium or plutonium), control rods (to absorb neutrons and regulate the fission reaction), coolant (such as water or gas to transfer heat), and a moderator (to slow down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction).
Yes, free electrons can absorb photons. When a photon interacts with a free electron, it can transfer its energy to the electron, causing it to move to a higher energy level or even be ejected from the material. This process is the basis for various phenomena such as photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.
For example when the electron absorb energy.
Cerium and Lanthanum are the two elements commonly used in glassblowers' glasses to absorb ultraviolet light.
Different elements absorb neutrons to different extents. The measure of this is called the neutron absorption cross section, you can visualise this as the size of a scoop collecting water from a stream, or something similar. Cadmium just happens to have a very large cross section for slow neutrons which are the main cause of the fission chain reaction in a reactor. Boron has similar properties. The precise reason for this involves study of nuclear physics, which you will have to read up in a scientific book on the subject, to get some understanding.
Control rods in a nuclear reactor absorb neutrons by containing materials that readily capture neutrons, such as boron or cadmium. When these materials absorb neutrons, they prevent the neutrons from causing further nuclear reactions, helping to control the rate of fission in the reactor.
By the agitation of an electron by a photon.
The four main elements in a nuclear reactor core are fuel rods (containing enriched uranium or plutonium), control rods (to absorb neutrons and regulate the fission reaction), coolant (such as water or gas to transfer heat), and a moderator (to slow down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction).
They are neutron absorbers, and by raising/lowering they can absorb variable amounts of neutrons. This allows the reactor to be maintained just critical at a steady power, or power to be raised/lowered, or shutdown completely and safely held down.
One or more elements that strongly absorb neutrons, some are:cadmiumboronhafniumetc.
We see the use of control rods in a reactor to absorb neutrons. These rods are often made of boron.
Yes, free electrons can absorb photons. When a photon interacts with a free electron, it can transfer its energy to the electron, causing it to move to a higher energy level or even be ejected from the material. This process is the basis for various phenomena such as photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.
For example when the electron absorb energy.
Control rods, typically made of materials such as boron or cadmium, are used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons and regulate the nuclear reaction. By controlling the number of neutrons present, the rate of fission reactions can be managed to maintain a steady level of power generation.
Uranium is the fuel... moderators can be water... control rods are various substances to absorb extra neutrons some use carbon. Steel (iron) is what the reactor vessel is made of.
Calcium
The dependent ability for elements to absorb light in steller atmospheres is the surface temperature of the star.