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Chemistry

Why Do Some Reactions Proceed Through Radical Chain Mechanisms?

Quick fact

One single radical can trigger a chain that converts millions of molecules in a fraction of a second—this is why radical reactions are so fast and explosive once started.

Why this is interesting

You’ve probably seen a fire burn—but did you know it can keep going on its own, with a handful of sparks setting off billions more? That’s the power of a chain reaction. Why do some reactive events, like burning, work this way?