What is Nuclear reaction?
[[Image:Li6-D Reaction.png|thumb|On how [[Lithium]] reacts with [[Deuterium]].]] A '''nuclear reaction''' is a [[process]] involving an [[atomic nucleus]] or more than one nucleus. The most common kinds are #[[Nuclear fusion]], a reaction in which two or more [[particle]]s [[collision|collide]]. The [[wikt:result|result]]s are new particles which are different from the first ones. #[[Nuclear fission]], a nucleus breaking into pieces. #[[Radioactive decay]], in which a nucleus spits something out, changing itself into a different kind of nucleus. In the case of [[radioactivity]] the reaction is [[wikt:spontaneous|spontaneous]]. Fission and fusion can be done on purpose, to release [[energy]]. This energy can then be used for different things, for example to make [[steam]] (as in a [[nuclear power plant]]). It can also be used as energy for a [[bomb]]. In the example figure [[Lithium|<sup>6</sup>Li]] fuses with [[deuterium]]. This makes [[Beryllium]] which then decays into two [[alpha particle]]s. Nuclear reactions occur in the [[sun]], in [[nuclear reactors]], in [[particle accelerator]]s, and in [[outer space]]. Other than [[radioactive decay]], very few nuclear reactions occur on earth except in these special places. [[Nuclear reactor]]s use nuclear reactions to make [[heat]] and [[electricity]]. Accelerators sometimes cause nuclear reactions to make radioactive materials. [[Cosmic rays|Particles from outer space]] cause nuclear reactions in earth's [[atmosphere]] that make air slightly [[radioactive]]. Nuclear reactions differ from [[chemical reaction]]s in that they do not need a catalyst. Radioactive decay also cannot be stopped, sped up or slowed down. {{Nuclear power}} {{Commonscat|Nuclear reactions}} == Related pages == *[[Chemical reaction]] == Other websites == *[http://www.google.com/images?client=flock&channel=fds&q=nuclear+reaction&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dPd_TbumO4iqsAOY9IX1BQ&ved=0CF0QsAQ&biw=984&bih=527 Images for nuclear reaction] *[http://www.google.com/search?cli