Láncreakciók

Láncreakciók, or chain reactions, describe a series of self-sustaining events where each event triggers the next. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with nuclear physics, specifically nuclear fission. In a nuclear chain reaction, a neutron strikes an atom's nucleus, causing it to split. This fission releases more neutrons, which then go on to strike other nuclei, perpetuating the process. If, on average, more than one neutron from each fission event causes another fission, the reaction will escalate, leading to an exponential increase in the number of fissions and a release of a large amount of energy. This is the principle behind nuclear power reactors and nuclear weapons.

The concept of a chain reaction is not limited to nuclear processes. It can also be observed in chemical reactions, such as combustion. For example, a flame ignites a piece of fuel, releasing heat and reactive species that then ignite adjacent fuel molecules, propagating the fire. Biological processes can also exhibit chain reaction-like behavior, like the spread of a disease through a population, where each infected individual transmits the pathogen to others. The key characteristic remains the self-perpetuating nature, where the product or consequence of one step directly initiates the subsequent step. Control over a chain reaction is crucial, whether it's moderating neutron flux in a reactor to achieve criticality or containing a fire.