Which radiation is only found in or near an operating nuclear reactor?

• A. Alpha
• B. Gamma
• C. Beta
• D. Neutron

Answer: (D)

Neutron radiation is produced by the fission reactions inside a nuclear reactor. When heavy nuclei split, they release fast neutrons that sustain the chain reaction and can escape into the surrounding area if not properly shielded. This makes neutron radiation a hallmark of reactor operation. Alpha and beta particles are common from many different radioactive sources, not just reactors, and gamma rays come from a wide range of isotopes used in medicine, industry, and research. So, while other radiation types can be found nearby, neutrons are the ones most closely tied to an operating reactor.