Tritium: Difference between revisions
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'''Tritium''', chemical symbol '''T''' or '''<sup>3</sup>H''' is an [[isotope]] of the element [[hydrogen]] | '''Tritium''', chemical symbol '''T''' or '''<sup>3</sup>H''', is an [[isotope]] of the element [[hydrogen]] that has a nucleus containing one [[proton]] and two [[neutron]]s (i.e., atomic weight 3.016). A compound containing tritium is said to be tritiated. | ||
It has a half-life of 12.3 years and emits a very weak [[beta particle]], which non-penetrating with a maximum energy of 18.6 keV and an average of 5.7 keV. | It has a half-life of 12.3 years and emits a very weak [[beta particle]], which non-penetrating with a maximum energy of 18.6 keV and an average of 5.7 keV. | ||
Most tritium is produced in nuclear reactors, although some can be formed by cosmic rays. | Most tritium is produced in nuclear reactors, although some can be formed by cosmic rays. | ||
==Nuclear weapons== | ==Nuclear weapons== | ||
Its major use is in [[neutron generator]]s and [[tritium boosting]] for [[fission device]]s, and, mixed with [[deuterium]], as fuel for [[fusion device]]s. Replacement of decayed tritium is one of the major drivers of maintenance for nuclear weapons. | Its major use is in [[neutron generator]]s and [[tritium boosting]] for [[fission device]]s, and, mixed with [[deuterium]], as fuel for [[fusion device]]s. Replacement of decayed tritium is one of the major drivers of maintenance for nuclear weapons. | ||
==Lighting== | ==Lighting== | ||
Tritium is used in a number of lighting applications, such as exit signs and gunsights, where reliable lighting is needed without an electrical power source. | Tritium is used in a number of lighting applications, such as exit signs and gunsights, where reliable lighting is needed without an electrical power source. | ||
Latest revision as of 04:43, 6 March 2024
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Tritium, chemical symbol T or 3H, is an isotope of the element hydrogen that has a nucleus containing one proton and two neutrons (i.e., atomic weight 3.016). A compound containing tritium is said to be tritiated.
It has a half-life of 12.3 years and emits a very weak beta particle, which non-penetrating with a maximum energy of 18.6 keV and an average of 5.7 keV.
Most tritium is produced in nuclear reactors, although some can be formed by cosmic rays.
Nuclear weapons
Its major use is in neutron generators and tritium boosting for fission devices, and, mixed with deuterium, as fuel for fusion devices. Replacement of decayed tritium is one of the major drivers of maintenance for nuclear weapons.
Lighting
Tritium is used in a number of lighting applications, such as exit signs and gunsights, where reliable lighting is needed without an electrical power source.