Neutron radiation

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Neutron radiation is a form of ionizing radiation that presents as free neutrons. Typical phenomena are nuclear fission or nuclear fusion causing the release of free neutrons, which then react with nuclei of other atoms to form new nuclides—which, in turn, may trigger further neutron radiation. Free neutrons are unstable, decaying into a proton, an electron, plus an electron antineutrino. Free neutrons have a mean lifetime of around 887 seconds (14 minutes, 47 seconds) which corresponds with a half-life of around 614 seconds (10 minutes, 14 seconds). Neutron radiation is distinct from alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

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