Nuclear chain reaction - Wikipedia
WEBIn nuclear physics, a nuclear chain reaction occurs when one single nuclear reaction causes an average of one or more subsequent nuclear reactions, thus leading to the possibility of a self-propagating series or "positive feedback loop" of these reactions.
Nuclear chain reaction - Energy Education
WEBA nuclear chain reaction occurs when the output of one nuclear reaction causes more nuclear reactions to occur. These chain reactions are almost always a series of fission events, which give off excess neutrons.
Nuclear chain reaction | physics | Britannica
WEBNuclear chain reactions are series of nuclear fissions (splitting of atomic nuclei), each initiated by a neutron produced in a preceding fission. For example, 2 1 / 2 neutrons on the average are released by the fission of each uranium-235 nucleus that absorbs a …
The Science Behind the First Nuclear Chain Reaction, Which …
WEBDec 1, 2017 · Figuring out how to create and control the nuclear chain reaction was the foundation for the 448 nuclear reactors producing energy worldwide today.
Chain reaction | Nuclear Fission & Fusion, Chemical Reactions
WEBNuclear chain reactions are series of nuclear fissions (splitting of atomic nuclei), each initiated by a neutron produced in a preceding fission. For example, 2 1/2 neutrons on the average are released by the fission of each uranium-235 nucleus that absorbs a …
22.4 Nuclear Fission and Fusion - Physics - OpenStax
WEBThe self-sustained fission of nuclei is commonly referred to as a chain reaction, as shown in Figure 22.27. Figure 22.27 A chain reaction can produce self-sustained fission if each fission produces enough neutrons to induce at least one more fission.
What Is A Chain Reaction? | NRC.gov
WEBSep 27, 2023 · What is a chain reaction? Let's start at the beginning. The primary active ingredient in the fuel for a nuclear reactor is a particular variety, or "isotope," of uranium, called U235. U235 is relatively rare — only about 0.7% of uranium as it …
Nuclear Chain Reactions - Atomic Archive
WEBA chain reaction refers to a process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the process repeats. The process may be controlled (nuclear power) or uncontrolled (nuclear weapons).
Nuclear explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
WEBThis process is called a nuclear chain reaction. This reaction is controlled in nuclear power plant reactors to produce the desired amount of heat. Nuclear energy can also be released in nuclear fusion, where atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom.
Manhattan Project: Science > Nuclear Physics > NUCLEAR CHAIN REACTION
WEBIn a nuclear fission chain reaction, a free neutron interacts with the nucleus of an atom and causes that nucleus to split apart into two new, less massive nuclei. The ruptured nucleus in turn releases additional neutrons, which can cause additional nuclei to split, and so on.