Nuclear Reactions and Interactions

A nuclear reaction is a process in which an atomic nucleus changes its composition or energy state.

The two main types of nuclear reactions are nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

In nuclear fission, the nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a single nucleus.

The energy released in a nuclear reaction is called nuclear energy.

The force that holds the nucleons together in a nucleus is called the nuclear force.

The particles that are emitted in radioactive decay are alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons.

The process by which a nucleus captures a neutron and becomes a heavier nucleus is called neutron activation.

The process by which a nucleus emits a neutron is called neutron emission.

The process by which a nucleus emits a proton is called proton emission.

The process by which a nucleus emits an alpha particle is called alpha emission.

The process by which a nucleus emits a beta particle is called beta emission.

The process by which a nucleus emits a gamma ray is called gamma emission.

The process by which a nucleus changes its energy state without changing its composition is called nuclear isomerism.

The process by which a nucleus scatters a neutron is called neutron scattering.