nuclear reaction
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A process occurring within or involving an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change to the nucleus's energy, structure (e.g., the number of protons and/or neutrons), or composition. This is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics.
Usage
This term is used to describe the transformative events at the core of atoms. It is a technical, scientific term. * The energy from the sun is produced by a nuclear reaction called fusion. * Scientists studied the nuclear reaction that occurred when the particle collided with the nucleus. * Controlling the chain reaction in a reactor is essential for safe nuclear power generation.
Advanced Usage
- Chain reaction: A self-sustaining series of nuclear reactions where the products of one reaction cause further reactions to occur.
- A controlled nuclear chain reaction is the principle behind nuclear power plants.
- The term can be used figuratively, though rarely, to describe a situation of rapidly escalating and powerful events.
- The scandal set off a political nuclear reaction that reshaped the entire government.
Variants and Related Words
- Fission (n): A type of nuclear reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei.
- Fusion (n): A type of nuclear reaction where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
- Transmutation (n): The changing of one chemical element into another, which occurs as a result of a nuclear reaction.
Synonyms
- Nuclear process, atomic reaction.
Related Phrases
- Initiate a reaction: To cause a nuclear reaction to begin.
- The neutron was used to initiate the fission reaction.
- Sustain a reaction: To keep a nuclear reaction proceeding at a steady rate.
- The reactor is designed to sustain a chain reaction for years.
Related Idioms
(There are no common idioms based directly on the term "nuclear reaction.")
Noun
- (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei