Chain reaction

{
  "id": "MLC-T-NUC-000059",
  "term": "Chain reaction",
  "field": "Nuclear energy and radiation",
  "definition": "A reaction that initiates its own repetition. In a fission chain reaction, a fissionablenucleus absorbs a neutron and fissions spontaneously, releasing additional neutrons. These, in turn, can be absorbed by other fissionable nuclei, releasing still more neutrons. A fission chain reaction is self-sustaining when the number of neutrons released in a given time equals or exceeds the number of neutrons lost by absorption in nonfissionable material or by escape from the system.",
  "references": [
    "NRC Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/nuclear/chain-reaction/"
}