nuclear reaction

noun

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

nuclear reaction

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

nuclear reaction

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).

Example Sentences

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.

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

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Nuclear power stations typically need about 3-5% of this enriched uranium to generate a controlled nuclear reaction that releases energy.

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SMRs, sometimes called "mini nukes", work on the same principle as large reactors, using a nuclear reaction to generate heat that produces electricity.

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The newest nuclear reaction - Sizewell B - came into service some 30 years ago.

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