A nuclear reaction is a reaction between a nucleus or nuclei and an external subatomic particle to create more than one new nuclei.
From the law of conservation of energy, we know that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed, but that it can be transferred to another medium.
A nuclear reaction is no exception and follows the principle of energy conservation. Let us learn in-depth about nuclear reactions!
There are mainly two types of nuclear reactions. They are as follows:
This reaction involves the absorption of neutrons by the hefty nucleus that causes them to separate into two lightweight nuclei.
In this reaction, two relatively light-weighted nuclei collide and combine to form a single heavy-weighted nucleus.
Processes that are not considered to be nuclear reactions are as follows:
The nuclear scattering process: In this process, the nuclear reaction does not occur. It consists of collision and separation of atomic nuclei without any composition changes of the nuclei.
Spontaneous fission process: Here, the nuclear fission reaction does not need a neutron to proceed hence, no nuclear reactions occur.
Nuclear decay: In this process, an unstable nucleus emits radiation to lose energy hence no nul=clear reaction occurs.
Q. What are the 5 types of nuclear reactions?
5 types of nuclear reactions are as follows:
Q. Who discovered nuclear reactions?
Ernest Rutherford first observed nuclear reactions when he bombarded nitrogen with alpha particles.
Q. What is the q value of a nuclear reaction?
The q value of a nuclear reaction is considered the total amount of energy emitted or absorbed during the nuclear reaction.
Q. What is the difference between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions?
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