nuclear reaction

noun

1. a process in which the structure and energy content of an atomic nucleus are changed by interaction with another nucleus or particle

nuclear reaction

1. 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.
2. See more at fission

nuclear reaction

1. A reaction that changes the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus of an atom . There are several kinds of nuclear reactions, including the fragmentation of large nuclei into smaller ones (nuclear fission ), the building up of small nuclei into larger ones (nuclear fusion ), and changes begun by collisions with elementary particles or other nuclei (as in particle accelerators ).

Example Sentences

As nuclear reactions occur on the sun, it routinely expels material from its surface.

From New York Times

Other elements were formed later, by nuclear reactions inside stars or when stars exploded in events known as novae or supernovae.

From Science Daily

Astronomers and astrophysicists could use this information to understand how neutron stars behave, study nuclear reactions between neutron stars and black holes colliding, and how heavy elements, including gold and uranium, are produced.

From Science Daily

The Mallinckrodt plant processed the uranium that allowed scientists at the University of Chicago to produce the first man-made controlled nuclear reaction, paving the way for the first atomic bomb.

From New York Times

According to the theory, stars collapse when they run out of fuel to carry out the nuclear reactions that make them shine.

From BBC