Nuclear Reactions

The process by which the nucleus of an atom is altered through fusion, fission, alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and other mechanisms.

What is a nuclear reaction?

"A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei, or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more new nuclides."

What is the requirement for a nuclear reaction to occur?

"A nuclear reaction must cause a transformation of at least one nuclide to another."

What is the difference between nuclear scattering and a nuclear reaction?

"If a nucleus interacts with another nucleus or particle and they then separate without changing the nature of any nuclide, the process is simply referred to as a type of nuclear scattering, rather than a nuclear reaction."

Can nuclear reactions involve more than two particles colliding?

"In principle, a reaction can involve more than two particles colliding, but because the probability of three or more nuclei to meet at the same time at the same place is much less than for two nuclei, such an event is exceptionally rare."

What is an example of a three-body nuclear reaction?

"Triple alpha process for an example very close to a three-body nuclear reaction."

Does the term 'nuclear reaction' refer only to collisions or also spontaneous changes?

"The term 'nuclear reaction' may refer either to a change in a nuclide induced by collision with another particle or to a spontaneous change of a nuclide without collision."

Where do natural nuclear reactions occur?

"Natural nuclear reactions occur in the interaction between cosmic rays and matter."

How can nuclear reactions be used artificially?

"Nuclear reactions can be employed artificially to obtain nuclear energy, at an adjustable rate, on-demand."

What do nuclear chain reactions in fissionable materials produce?

"Nuclear chain reactions in fissionable materials produce induced nuclear fission."

What powers the energy production of the Sun and stars?

"Various nuclear fusion reactions of light elements power the energy production of the Sun and stars."

What are the types of particles that can collide during a nuclear reaction?

"Two nuclei or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle can collide during a nuclear reaction."

Is it possible for two nuclei to collide and produce more than one new nuclide?

"Yes, a collision between two nuclei can produce one or more new nuclides."

Are three-body nuclear reactions common or rare?

"Such an event is exceptionally rare due to the probability of three or more nuclei meeting at the same time at the same place."

Can nuclear reactions occur without collisions?

"Yes, nuclear reactions can also refer to spontaneous changes of a nuclide without collision."

Where else apart from cosmic ray interactions do natural nuclear reactions occur?

"Natural nuclear reactions occur in the interaction between cosmic rays and matter."

What is the purpose of employing nuclear reactions artificially?

"Nuclear reactions can be employed artificially to obtain nuclear energy, at an adjustable rate, on-demand."

What forms of energy can be obtained through nuclear reactions?

"Nuclear chain reactions in fissionable materials produce induced nuclear fission; various nuclear fusion reactions of light elements power the energy production of the Sun and stars."

Is a nuclear reaction limited to just nuclear physics or chemistry?

"A nuclear reaction can occur in both nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry."

What is the difference between nuclear scattering and a nuclear reaction?

"Nuclear scattering occurs when nuclei or particles separate without changing the nature of any nuclide, whereas a nuclear reaction causes a transformation of at least one nuclide to another."

Are nuclear reactions a common occurrence or exceptional events?

"Although nuclear reactions occur frequently in certain contexts, such as in nuclear power plants or stars, the probability of multiple nuclei colliding simultaneously is very low, making such events exceptionally rare."