Reaksjon

Reaksjon is a term used in Norwegian to denote a response or process that follows an initial event or stimulus. The word derives from Latin reactio, via French réaction, and its usage spans everyday language and many scientific disciplines, often with context-specific meanings.

In chemistry, a chemical reaction converts reactants into products, described by a balanced chemical equation. Reactions are influenced by temperature, concentration, surface area, and the presence of catalysts. Activation energy must be overcome for the reaction to proceed, and reaction rates follow kinetic laws. Many reactions are reversible, and under constant conditions they can reach an equilibrium governed by thermodynamics and Le Chatelier’s principle.

In biology and physiology, reactions refer to cellular or organismal responses to stimuli. Immune responses defend against pathogens, while signal transduction pathways translate external signals into cellular actions. Reflexes are rapid, involuntary reactions to sensory input.

In psychology and everyday communication, a reaction denotes how a person or group responds to events, information, or remarks. Reactions can be emotional, cognitive, or behavioral, and they can shape social interaction, decision making, and public discourse. The term also appears in political and cultural contexts, where it may describe positions that resist or oppose change, sometimes labeled as reactionary.

Etymology and usage notes: while the core idea is a response, the term takes on field-specific meanings in science and in social sciences. Reaksjon is widely used across Norwegian discourse to connect stimulus and outcome, from laboratory experiments to everyday conversations.