chain reaction
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chain reaction
In a figurative sense, a sequence of events in which each event triggers the next, often leading to a rapid and uncontrollable spread.
Seine unbedachte Äußerung löste in den sozialen Medien eine Kettenreaktion der Empörung aus.
His thoughtless remark triggered a chain reaction of outrage on social media.
chain reaction
In physics and chemistry, a self-propagating sequence of reactions in which the products or energy of one reaction trigger further reactions of the same kind, as in nuclear fission.
In einem Atomreaktor wird die nukleare Kettenreaktion kontrolliert, um Energie zu gewinnen.
In a nuclear reactor, the nuclear chain reaction is controlled in order to generate energy.
The word is a clear compound of 'die Kette' (the chain) and 'die Reaktion' (the reaction). It figuratively describes a series of reactions in which one link causes the next, just like in a chain.
Ein kleiner Fehler kann manchmal eine ganze Kette von Problemen nach sich ziehen.
A small mistake can sometimes lead to a whole chain of problems.
By far the most common verb used with 'Kettenreaktion' (chain reaction) is 'auslösen' (to trigger). It means to cause the beginning of this chain of events.
Der Funke löste eine explosive Kettenreaktion aus.
The spark triggered an explosive chain reaction.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If the text is about physics, chemistry, or nuclear energy, the scientific meaning is intended. If it is about social, political, or everyday events, the figurative meaning is intended.
Die Kernspaltung basiert auf einer kontrollierten Kettenreaktion.
Nuclear fission is based on a controlled chain reaction.
In a figurative sense, 'Kettenreaktion' (chain reaction) often describes a sequence of events that is fast and difficult to stop. The term often has a negative connotation and describes the spread of problems, rumors, or panic.
Ein Gerücht in der Schule führte zu einer Kettenreaktion von Missverständnissen.
A rumor at school led to a chain reaction of misunderstandings.
domino
When describing a sequence of events, der Domino focuses on the triggering event and uses the image of falling dominoes. die Kettenreaktion, by contrast, refers to the entire sequence, in which each event triggers the next.
Der erste Stromausfall löste eine Kettenreaktion mit weiteren ähnlichen Ausfällen aus.
The first power outage triggered a chain reaction involving further similar outages.
Der erste Stromausfall war der Domino, der weitere ähnliche Ausfälle auslöste.
The first power outage was the domino that triggered further similar outages.
