nuclear reaction

Noun
  1. (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei (synset 113544411)
    referred to in: natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions
    is a type of: action, activity, natural action, natural process - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
    subtypes:
    • 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
    • decay, disintegration, radioactive 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
    • fission, nuclear fission - a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
    • fusion, nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion reaction - a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
    • spallation - (physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles

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