ketjureaktiona

Ketjureaktiona, known in English as a chain reaction, is a sequence of events where each event triggers the next. This phenomenon is particularly well-known in nuclear physics, describing the process where a single nuclear fission event can lead to further fission events. When an atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, undergoes fission, it typically releases several neutrons. If these neutrons go on to strike other fissile nuclei, they can cause those nuclei to fission as well, releasing more neutrons, and so on. This self-sustaining process can escalate rapidly if enough fissile material is present and arranged in the correct configuration, a critical mass.

In nuclear reactors, controlled chain reactions are used to generate energy. By moderating the neutrons (slowing them down) and controlling the number of neutrons available for fission, a steady rate of energy production can be maintained. Uncontrolled chain reactions, on the other hand, lead to a rapid and immense release of energy, as seen in nuclear weapons.

The concept of a chain reaction extends beyond nuclear physics. In chemistry, it can describe a series of chemical reactions where the product of one reaction initiates the next. For example, some polymerization reactions proceed via a chain mechanism. In broader terms, a chain reaction can also refer to a series of interconnected social or economic events, where one development triggers a cascade of others. The core principle remains the same: a self-amplifying sequence driven by the output of one stage becoming the input for the next.