Barn | Area, Size & Volume | Britannica (original) (raw)

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barn, unit of area used to measure the reaction cross section (generally different from the geometric cross section) of atomic nuclei and subatomic particles in the study of their interactions with other nuclei or particles. It is equal to 10−24 square cm. The name, coined by U.S. scientists, is derived from the proverbial phrase “side of a barn,” something easy to hit. See cross section.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.