"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."
The process by which atomic nuclei interact and transform through fusion and fission.
Atomic structure: Understanding the structure and properties of the atom including the nucleus, protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
Half-life: The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Types of radiation: The three main types of radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
Radioisotopes and isotopes: The different isotopes of an element can have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different physical and chemical properties.
Nuclear fission: The process of splitting a nucleus into smaller fragments, releasing energy.
Nuclear fusion: The process of combining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.
Nuclear reactors: Devices used to contain and control nuclear reactions for the purpose of producing electricity or other applications.
Radiation detectors: Instruments used to detect and measure various types of radiation, including Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, and dosimeters.
Health effects of radiation: Exposure to certain types and levels of radiation can have negative health effects, including increased risk of cancer and genetic mutations.
Nuclear weapons: Devices that use nuclear reactions to produce a large, explosive release of energy.
Nuclear waste: The byproducts of nuclear reactions that can contain long-lasting radioactive materials and require careful handling and disposal.
Nuclear safety and regulation: The importance of safety protocols and regulatory oversight to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
Alpha decay: Alpha decay occurs when the nucleus of an atom emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.
Beta decay: Beta decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom decays into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino.
Gamma decay: Gamma decay is the emission of gamma rays (high-energy photons) from the nucleus of an atom.
Electron capture: Electron capture occurs when an electron from the electron cloud of an atom is captured by the nucleus, converting a proton into a neutron.
Nuclear fission: Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
Nuclear fusion: Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.
Spontaneous fission: Spontaneous fission occurs when a heavy nucleus spontaneously splits into two smaller nuclei and releases energy.
Positron emission: Positron emission occurs when a proton in the nucleus of an atom decays into a neutron, emitting a positron (antimatter particle) and a neutrino.
Neutron emission: Neutron emission occurs when a nucleus ejects a neutron, resulting in a smaller, more stable nucleus.
Isomeric transition: Isomeric transition is the process by which a nucleus in an excited state releases energy by transitioning to a lower energy state.
Proton decay: Proton decay is a hypothetical process by which a proton decays into lighter particles, resulting in a smaller and more stable nucleus.
Spontaneous alpha decay: Spontaneous alpha decay occurs when a nucleus spontaneously emits an alpha particle without any external stimulation.
Spontaneous beta decay: Spontaneous beta decay occurs when a nucleus spontaneously emits a beta particle without any external stimulation.
Spontaneous gamma decay: Spontaneous gamma decay occurs when a nucleus spontaneously emits a gamma ray without any external stimulation.
Neutron capture: Neutron capture occurs when a free neutron is absorbed by a nucleus, resulting in the formation of a new, heavier nucleus.
"A nuclear reaction must cause a transformation of at least one nuclide to another."
"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."
"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."
"Triple alpha process for an example very close to a three-body nuclear reaction."
"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."
"Natural nuclear reactions occur in the interaction between cosmic rays and matter."
"Nuclear reactions can be employed artificially to obtain nuclear energy, at an adjustable rate, on-demand."
"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."
"Two nuclei or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle can collide during a nuclear reaction."
"Yes, a collision between two nuclei can produce one or more new nuclides."
"Such an event is exceptionally rare due to the probability of three or more nuclei meeting at the same time at the same place."
"Yes, nuclear reactions can also refer to spontaneous changes of a nuclide without collision."
"Natural nuclear reactions occur in the interaction between cosmic rays and matter."
"Nuclear reactions can be employed artificially to obtain nuclear energy, at an adjustable rate, on-demand."
"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."
"A nuclear reaction can occur in both nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry."
"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."
"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."