nuclear reaction

British  

noun

1. a process in which the structure and energy content of an atomic nucleus are changed by interaction with another nucleus or particle

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nuclear reaction Scientific  

1. A process, such as fission, fusion, or radioactive decay, in which the structure of an atomic nucleus is altered through release of energy or mass or by being broken apart.

2. See more at fission fusion

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nuclear reaction Cultural  

1. A reaction that changes the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. There are several kinds of nuclear reactions, including the fragmentation of large nuclei into smaller ones (nuclear fission), the building up of small nuclei into larger ones (nuclear fusion), and changes begun by collisions with elementary particles or other nuclei (as in particle accelerators).

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Example Sentences

As the stolen material builds up, it can ignite in a runaway nuclear reaction, triggering a sudden brightening in the sky.

From Science Daily

"Neutrons interact with material in the walls. The resulting nuclear reactions can then create new particles," he said.

From Science Daily

These particles are created during nuclear reactions, including those inside the Sun's core.

From Science Daily

In an emergency, the containment should trap gases that might escape from the inner chambers, but we rely on the reactor vessel to keep a nuclear reaction—and the radiation it produces—contained.

From Literature

"They are so dense that when they accrete material on their surface they can undergo runaway nuclear reactions, which we detect as novae."

From Science Daily