Nuclear reaction

Nuclear Reaction

A nuclear reaction is a process in which two atomic nuclei or a nucleus and a subatomic particle collide to produce one or more new nuclei and subatomic particles. In essence, it involves a change in an atom's nucleus and is distinct from chemical reactions, which involve only the electrons surrounding the nucleus.

Diagram of a Li6-D nuclear reaction

Nuclear reactions are fundamental to the field of nuclear physics and have applications in nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and nuclear medicine. They can be classified into several types, including fusion, fission, and radioactive decay.

Types of Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This is the reaction that powers the sun and other stars. An example of a fusion reaction is the combination of deuterium and tritium to form helium and a neutron.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. This process is utilized in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. A common fission reaction involves the splitting of uranium-235 or plutonium-239.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur through the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.

Li6-D Reaction

The Li6-D reaction is a specific type of nuclear fusion reaction involving lithium-6 and deuterium. In this reaction, a lithium-6 nucleus absorbs a deuterium nucleus, resulting in the formation of two helium nuclei. This reaction is of interest in the study of controlled nuclear fusion and has potential applications in fusion energy.

Applications of Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions have a wide range of applications:

• Nuclear Power: Nuclear fission reactions are harnessed in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
• Nuclear Weapons: Both fission and fusion reactions are used in the design of nuclear weapons.
• Nuclear Medicine: Radioactive isotopes produced through nuclear reactions are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment.

Related Pages

• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear reactor
• Nuclear weapon
• Radioactive decay