A Chain Reaction is a sequence of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place. The Chain Reaction is generally, very rapid and highly sensitive to reaction conditions that is easily affected by substances other than the reactants themselves.
Reference Definition by Canadian Nuclear Association: A Chain Reaction is a reaction that stimulates its own repetition. In a nuclear chain reaction, the fission of one atomic nucleus (of uranium-235, for example) releases neutrons, which can be absorbed by other fissionable nuclei that can also fission, releasing still more neutrons. If more neutrons are released than are lost or absorbed by other materials, the chain reaction is said to achieve criticality.
Related Definitions in the Project: The Process Engineering
