Nuclear chain reaction
Nuclear Chain Reaction
A Nuclear Chain Reaction is a series of nuclear reactions where the output from one reaction initiates the next. The process is key to the operation of nuclear power plants and the detonation of nuclear weapons.
Pronunciation
Nuclear: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər/ Chain Reaction: /tʃeɪn riˈæk.ʃən/
Etymology
The term "Nuclear Chain Reaction" is derived from the words "nuclear", referring to the nucleus of an atom, and "chain reaction", which describes a sequence of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place.
Process
In a Nuclear Chain Reaction, a heavy isotope such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 is bombarded with neutrons. This causes the isotope to become unstable and split, releasing energy and more neutrons. These newly released neutrons then collide with other isotopes, causing them to also split and release energy. This process continues, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction.
Related Terms
- Fission: The process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with some by-products.
- Fusion: A nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come very close and then collide at a high speed and join to form a new type of atomic nucleus.
- Critical Mass: The minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.
- Neutron Moderator: A medium that reduces the speed of fast neutrons, thereby turning them into thermal neutrons capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction.
See Also
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