Nuclear reaction

A nuclear reaction involves changes in the nucleus of an atom, typically through the addition or removal of particles like protons or neutrons. These reactions can release or absorb a large amount of energy because they alter the nuclear forces holding the nucleus together. Common examples include nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller parts releasing energy, and nuclear fusion, where light nuclei combine to form a heavier one, also releasing energy. These processes are fundamental to nuclear power plants and atomic weapons, and they operate under principles that differ from chemical reactions, which involve electrons rather than nuclei.