Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and
Engineering||Study Material ||The best
Exam Guide 2026
Thermalization - ANSWER-The process by which fast neutrons produced from fission
are slowed down to thermal low energy neutrons.
Reactor Kinetics - ANSWER-The study of the time-dependent behavior of a nuclear
reactor.
Point Kinetic Equation - ANSWER-Describes the rate of change of neutron density.
E=mc^2 - ANSWER-The increased relativistic mass of a body times the speed of light is
equal to the Kinetic energy of that body.
Power Density - ANSWER-Refers to the amount of power produced per unit volume of
fuel.
Thermal Power Calculation - ANSWER-The sum of energy generated by fissions per
unit time.
Neutron Diffusion Theory - ANSWER-Provides a theoretical basis for neutron-physical
computing of reactor cores.
Transport Theory - ANSWER-Provides a detailed approach for modelling the behavior
of neutrons.
Reactivity - ANSWER-Often expressed as terms of the multiplication factor.
Control Rods - ANSWER-It reduces reactivity in the reactor.
Safety Shutdown Margin - ANSWER-The amount of negative reactivity that can be
inserted into the reactor before it becomes supercritical.
Critical Heat Flux - ANSWER-Refers to the point at which the coolant can no longer
efficiently remove heat from the reactor core.
LOCA - ANSWER-Loss of Coolant Accident.
Neutron Balance - ANSWER-Determines the overall neutron population.
International Atomic Energy Agency - ANSWER-An intergovernmental organization that
seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
,Non-Ionizing Radiation - ANSWER-Has enough power to make atoms in a molecule
move or vibrate.
ILW - ANSWER-Intermediate Level Waste.
Gas Cooled Reactor - ANSWER-Uses gas as a coolant, with graphite acting as a
moderator.
Ultrasonic Testing - ANSWER-Soundwaves are sent into the material, and changes in
the waves help locate cracks or flaws.
Radiographic Testing - ANSWER-This method uses x-rays or gamma rays to create
images of the internal structure of a component.
Magnetic Particle Testing - ANSWER-It is used on ferromagnetic materials to detect
surface or near-surface flaws.
Liquid Penetrant Testing - ANSWER-A special dye is applied to the surface of a
material, which seeps into cracks or defects.
Eddy Current Testing - ANSWER-Detects flaws using electromagnetic fields.
Lead - ANSWER-It is an effective shielding for gamma and x-ray radiation.
Neutrinos - ANSWER-The most penetrating type of radiation.
Equivalent Dose - ANSWER-Used to compare the biological effects of different types of
radiation on a tissue or organ.
Fick's Law - ANSWER-Mathematical law that states the rate of diffusion is directly
proportional to both surface area and concentration difference and is inversely
proportional to the thickness of the membrane.
Primary Group - ANSWER-It is the group of nuclear materials which includes nuclear
fuels, moderators, and coolants.
Plutonium-239 - ANSWER-A byproduct of nuclear reactors and can be used as fuel in
some resources.
Fertile Materials - ANSWER-These materials can be transformed into fissile materials
from neutron capture.
Thorium-232 - ANSWER-It is a fertile material that can be converted to uranium-233 in
the neutron capture.
, Neutron Reflectors - ANSWER-This material reflects neutrons into the reactor core,
increasing efficiency.
Uranium Dioxide - ANSWER-Is a versatile nuclear fuel precursor used in blanket fuel
applications due to its resistance to high temperature.
Uranium Hexafluoride - ANSWER-UF6.
Radioactive Waste - ANSWER-Any material that contains radioactive isotopes and
emits ionizing radiation.
Process Optimization - ANSWER-Enhancing efficiency in nuclear facilities to produce
less waste.
Decontamination - ANSWER-Cleaning equipment and surfaces to reduce contaminated
materials.
Encapsulation - ANSWER-Radioactive waste is encased in stable, inert materials to
reduce mobility.
Shielding - ANSWER-It is a containment method that uses lead, concrete, or water, to
absorb radiation and protect workers and the public.
Borehole Disposal - ANSWER-Is a method of isolating highly radioactive waste in deep,
narrow boreholes.
Research Reactor - ANSWER-Serve as a source of neutrons for research and various
applications.
Gas-filled Detectors - ANSWER-Ionizes gas, producing ions and free electrons,
generating an electronic charge measured in meters.
Supercritical - ANSWER-Is characterized by a rise in power levels when neutron
production outpaces losses in a reactor.
Uranium-235 - ANSWER-An element with a nucleus consisting of 92 protons and 143
neutrons.
PRR-1 - ANSWER-Philippine Research Reactor-1 is the first and only research reactor
in the Philippines.
Energy Release - ANSWER-Refers to the splitting of an atom that releases a large
amount of heat energy and additional neutrons.
Nuclear Reactors - ANSWER-A device designed to initiate and regulate a continuous
nuclear fission process.
Engineering||Study Material ||The best
Exam Guide 2026
Thermalization - ANSWER-The process by which fast neutrons produced from fission
are slowed down to thermal low energy neutrons.
Reactor Kinetics - ANSWER-The study of the time-dependent behavior of a nuclear
reactor.
Point Kinetic Equation - ANSWER-Describes the rate of change of neutron density.
E=mc^2 - ANSWER-The increased relativistic mass of a body times the speed of light is
equal to the Kinetic energy of that body.
Power Density - ANSWER-Refers to the amount of power produced per unit volume of
fuel.
Thermal Power Calculation - ANSWER-The sum of energy generated by fissions per
unit time.
Neutron Diffusion Theory - ANSWER-Provides a theoretical basis for neutron-physical
computing of reactor cores.
Transport Theory - ANSWER-Provides a detailed approach for modelling the behavior
of neutrons.
Reactivity - ANSWER-Often expressed as terms of the multiplication factor.
Control Rods - ANSWER-It reduces reactivity in the reactor.
Safety Shutdown Margin - ANSWER-The amount of negative reactivity that can be
inserted into the reactor before it becomes supercritical.
Critical Heat Flux - ANSWER-Refers to the point at which the coolant can no longer
efficiently remove heat from the reactor core.
LOCA - ANSWER-Loss of Coolant Accident.
Neutron Balance - ANSWER-Determines the overall neutron population.
International Atomic Energy Agency - ANSWER-An intergovernmental organization that
seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
,Non-Ionizing Radiation - ANSWER-Has enough power to make atoms in a molecule
move or vibrate.
ILW - ANSWER-Intermediate Level Waste.
Gas Cooled Reactor - ANSWER-Uses gas as a coolant, with graphite acting as a
moderator.
Ultrasonic Testing - ANSWER-Soundwaves are sent into the material, and changes in
the waves help locate cracks or flaws.
Radiographic Testing - ANSWER-This method uses x-rays or gamma rays to create
images of the internal structure of a component.
Magnetic Particle Testing - ANSWER-It is used on ferromagnetic materials to detect
surface or near-surface flaws.
Liquid Penetrant Testing - ANSWER-A special dye is applied to the surface of a
material, which seeps into cracks or defects.
Eddy Current Testing - ANSWER-Detects flaws using electromagnetic fields.
Lead - ANSWER-It is an effective shielding for gamma and x-ray radiation.
Neutrinos - ANSWER-The most penetrating type of radiation.
Equivalent Dose - ANSWER-Used to compare the biological effects of different types of
radiation on a tissue or organ.
Fick's Law - ANSWER-Mathematical law that states the rate of diffusion is directly
proportional to both surface area and concentration difference and is inversely
proportional to the thickness of the membrane.
Primary Group - ANSWER-It is the group of nuclear materials which includes nuclear
fuels, moderators, and coolants.
Plutonium-239 - ANSWER-A byproduct of nuclear reactors and can be used as fuel in
some resources.
Fertile Materials - ANSWER-These materials can be transformed into fissile materials
from neutron capture.
Thorium-232 - ANSWER-It is a fertile material that can be converted to uranium-233 in
the neutron capture.
, Neutron Reflectors - ANSWER-This material reflects neutrons into the reactor core,
increasing efficiency.
Uranium Dioxide - ANSWER-Is a versatile nuclear fuel precursor used in blanket fuel
applications due to its resistance to high temperature.
Uranium Hexafluoride - ANSWER-UF6.
Radioactive Waste - ANSWER-Any material that contains radioactive isotopes and
emits ionizing radiation.
Process Optimization - ANSWER-Enhancing efficiency in nuclear facilities to produce
less waste.
Decontamination - ANSWER-Cleaning equipment and surfaces to reduce contaminated
materials.
Encapsulation - ANSWER-Radioactive waste is encased in stable, inert materials to
reduce mobility.
Shielding - ANSWER-It is a containment method that uses lead, concrete, or water, to
absorb radiation and protect workers and the public.
Borehole Disposal - ANSWER-Is a method of isolating highly radioactive waste in deep,
narrow boreholes.
Research Reactor - ANSWER-Serve as a source of neutrons for research and various
applications.
Gas-filled Detectors - ANSWER-Ionizes gas, producing ions and free electrons,
generating an electronic charge measured in meters.
Supercritical - ANSWER-Is characterized by a rise in power levels when neutron
production outpaces losses in a reactor.
Uranium-235 - ANSWER-An element with a nucleus consisting of 92 protons and 143
neutrons.
PRR-1 - ANSWER-Philippine Research Reactor-1 is the first and only research reactor
in the Philippines.
Energy Release - ANSWER-Refers to the splitting of an atom that releases a large
amount of heat energy and additional neutrons.
Nuclear Reactors - ANSWER-A device designed to initiate and regulate a continuous
nuclear fission process.
