Neutron activation is a process in which materials are exposed to neutrons, causing them to absorb these particles and become radioactive. When a stable nucleus captures a neutron, it can transform into a different isotope, which may emit radiation as it decays. This technique is often used in nuclear science and radiochemistry to analyze the composition of materials. The resulting radioactive isotopes can be detected and measured, providing valuable information about the original material. Neutron activation analysis is a common application, allowing scientists to identify trace elements in samples, such as metals in archaeological artifacts or pollutants in environmental studies.