chain reaction (redirected from chain reactions)

chain reaction

n.

1. A series of events in which each induces or influences the next.

2. Physics A multistage nuclear reaction, especially a self-sustaining series of fissions in which the release of neutrons from the splitting of one atom leads to the splitting of others.

3. Chemistry A series of reactions in which one product of a reacting set is a reactant in the following set.

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chain reaction

n

1. (Physics / General Physics) a process in which a neutron colliding with an atomic nucleus causes fission and the ejection of one or more other neutrons, which induce other nuclei to split

2. (Chemistry) a chemical reaction in which the product of one step is a reactant in the following step

3. a series of rapidly occurring events, each of which precipitates the next

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chain reaction

A process in which the result of one event triggers another event, usually of the same kind, which in turn triggers yet another event, so that the overall reaction tends to be self-sustaining. Nuclear fission reactions are chain reactions, in which the splitting of an atomic nucleus releases neutrons that penetrate other nuclei, causing them to split. The spread of heat through a substance is also a chain reaction, as fast-moving molecules in a hot part of the substance collide with neighboring molecules, passing on their kinetic energy to them, thereby making more of the substance warmer. See more at fission. See Note at nuclear reactor. See also kinetic theory.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	chain reaction - a series of chemical reactions in which the product of one is a reactant in the next chemical reaction, reaction - (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others; "there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water"
	2.	chain reaction - a self-sustaining nuclear reaction; a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others nuclear reaction - (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei

Translations

chain reaction n → reazione f a catena