chain reaction
Self-perpetuating sequence
A chain reaction is a sequence of events where each one triggers the next.
In nuclear physics, it describes fission releasing neutrons that cause more fission—the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
The term extends to any cascading series: One resignation triggered a chain reaction of departures.
The phrase emphasizes inevitability once the sequence begins.
Sequential causation phenomenon
- snowball effectAccelerating cumulative increase
- ripple effectCascading secondary results
- avalancheRapid mountain snow collapse
- spilloverExcess that escapes
escalation · amplification · proliferation · cascade · trigger · tipping point · runaway · feedback loop
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
- neutronsUncharged subatomic particles
- uraniumElement ninety-two
- plutoniumActinide, atomic number 94
- critical massThreshold for self-sustaining reaction
reactor · atomic · nucleus · isotopes · radioactive · decay · enrichment · fusion
Ordered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- stepsSequential actions in process
consecutive · linked · interconnected · one after another · cause and effect · inevitable · systematic · precipitate
Agent enabling change
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- free radicalUnstable, electron-seeking particle
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
reagent · synthesis · molecular · bonding · exothermic · decomposition · propagation · initiation
domino effect
Sequential causation phenomenon
- snowball effectAccelerating cumulative increase
- ripple effectCascading secondary results
- avalancheRapid mountain snow collapse
spillover · escalation · amplification · proliferation · cascade · trigger · tipping point · runaway · feedback loop · compounding
fission
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
critical mass · reactor · atomic · nucleus · isotopes · radioactive · decay · enrichment · fusion · thermonuclear
series
Ordered set of related items
- successionFollowing in order
- progressionSequential forward movement
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
steps · consecutive · linked · interconnected · one after another · cause and effect · inevitable · systematic · precipitate · set off
catalyst
Agent enabling change
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- polymerizationMonomers bonding into chains
- free radicalUnstable, electron-seeking particle
oxidation · reagent · synthesis · molecular · bonding · exothermic · decomposition · propagation · initiation · termination
- Indirect Effectssecondhand smoke, passive smoking, collateral damage, ripple effect, spillover
- nuclear radiationradiation exposure, radiation poisoning, radioactive isotopes, fallout, nuclear meltdown
- runaway effectsdomino effect, snowball effect, runaway effect, feedback loop, exponential growth
- WWI causesassassination, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Sarajevo, militarism, alliances
- cascadesfalls, flow, pour, torrent, rush
- reaction mechanismsbond breaking, bond cleavage, SN1, SN2, elimination
chain reactiondead end
Passage without outlet
one-off · containment · terminus · firebreak · circuit breaker
chain reactiondamping
Dissipation of vibrational energy
dampening · negative feedback · attenuation · stable equilibrium · homeostasis
chain, reaction, interact, interaction, reacting, reactions, reactive, reactivity, interactions