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

1. (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei