Nuclear reaction
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Nuclear reaction
A Nuclear reaction (/ˈnjuːklɪər rɪˈækʃən/) is a process in which two nuclei, or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more new nuclides.
Etymology
The term "nuclear" is derived from Latin nucleus or nuculeus, meaning kernel or seed. The term "reaction" is derived from the Latin reactio, meaning a response.
Types of Nuclear Reactions
There are several types of nuclear reactions, including:
- Nuclear fusion: This is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come close enough to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as the release of large amounts of energy.
- Nuclear fission: This is a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. The fission process often produces gamma photons, and releases a very large amount of energy.
- Nuclear transmutation: This is the conversion of one chemical element or an isotope into another chemical element. This can be achieved through nuclear reactions, in which an atomic nucleus of a chemical element is hit by a particle and transformed to another nucleus.
Related Terms
- Radioactive decay: This is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Neutron: A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge, present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen.
- Proton: A stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron, but of opposite sign.
- Gamma radiation: This is electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and therefore high energy per photon.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear reaction
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear reaction
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