— the transformation of atomic nuclei, due to the interaction of elementary particles or to each other. N.r. usually carried out by bombarding heavy nuclei easier target particles (nuclei). Among N.r. distinguished: elastic scattering, which occurs only redistribution of kinetic energy between the particles according to the laws of elastic impact; not elastic scattering, in which the composition of the interacting nuclei does not change, but the kinetic energy of a flying particles is spent on stimulation core target; actual nuclear reaction in which changing intrinsic properties and composition of the interacting nuclei and the place convert elementary particles. N.r. used to study the structure and properties of atomic nuclei to produce nuclear energy, radioactive isotopes, etc.