nuclear reaction

nuclear reaction

n.

A reaction, as in fission, fusion, or radioactive decay, that alters the energy, composition, or structure of an atomic nucleus.

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nuclear reaction

n

(Physics / General Physics) a process in which the structure and energy content of an atomic nucleus is changed by interaction with another nucleus or particle

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nuclear reaction

A process, such as fission, fusion, or radioactive decay, in which the structure of an atomic nucleus is altered through release of energy or mass or by being broken apart. See more at fissionfusion

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

nuclear reaction - (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" 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 radioactive decay, disintegration, decay - the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation endoergic reaction - a nuclear reaction occurring with absorption of energy exoergic reaction - a nuclear reaction accompanied by the evolution of energy nuclear fission, fission - a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion reaction, fusion - a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity" spallation - (physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles; "some astronomers believe that the solar system was formed by spallation when the sun was a very young star"