Editing Inelastic scattering (section)

==Neutrons==
{{main|Inelastic neutron scattering}}
Neutrons undergo many types of scattering, including both elastic and inelastic scattering. Whether elastic or inelastic scatter occurs is dependent on the speed of the neutron, whether [[Neutron temperature|fast]] or [[Neutron temperature|thermal]], or somewhere in between. It is also dependent on the nucleus it strikes and its [[neutron cross section]]. In inelastic scattering, the neutron interacts with the nucleus and the kinetic energy of the system is changed. This often activates the nucleus, putting it into an excited, unstable, short-lived energy state which causes it to quickly emit some kind of radiation to bring it back down to a stable or [[ground state]]. Alpha, beta, gamma, and protons may be emitted. Particles scattered in this type of nuclear reaction may cause the nucleus to recoil in the other direction.{{fact|date=May 2025}}