Nuclear Acronyms and Abbreviations

The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Fission is the process of splitting atomic nuclei into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the form of heat and radiation.

A BWR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses ordinary water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator.

The gray (Gy) is the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose, which measures the amount of energy deposited in a material by ionizing radiation.

A PWR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses ordinary water as a coolant and a neutron moderator, and the water is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling.

Fusion is the process of combining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the form of heat and radiation.

CANDU is a type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as a neutron moderator and coolant.

Radioactivity is the process of spontaneous emission of radiation from an atomic nucleus, resulting in the transformation of one element into another.

MOX fuel is a type of nuclear fuel that consists of a mixture of uranium oxide and plutonium oxide.

Decay is the process of the spontaneous transformation of one element into another, accompanied by the emission of radiation.

RBMK is a type of nuclear reactor that uses graphite as a neutron moderator and ordinary water as a coolant.

The rem (roentgen equivalent man) is the traditional unit of radiation exposure dose, which measures the amount of radiation that produces the same biological effect as one roentgen of X-rays.

HTGR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses helium gas as a coolant and graphite as a neutron moderator.

Transmutation is the process of converting one element into another through nuclear reactions, such as neutron capture or beta decay.

SNR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses liquid sodium as a coolant and a neutron moderator.