What is Nuclear physics: Definition and 293 Discussions

Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions, in addition to the study of other forms of nuclear matter.
Nuclear physics should not be confused with atomic physics, which studies the atom as a whole, including its electrons.
Discoveries in nuclear physics have led to applications in many fields. This includes nuclear power, nuclear weapons, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging, industrial and agricultural isotopes, ion implantation in materials engineering, and radiocarbon dating in geology and archaeology. Such applications are studied in the field of nuclear engineering.
Particle physics evolved out of nuclear physics and the two fields are typically taught in close association. Nuclear astrophysics, the application of nuclear physics to astrophysics, is crucial in explaining the inner workings of stars and the origin of the chemical elements.

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  1. CarterTheSpaceman

    Math needed for graduate theoretical nuclear physics program?

    So, basically I need a roadmap of the math required for nuclear theory. I've completed Calc (1-3) and teaching myself ODE. My roadmap currently is PDE, Complex Analysis, Linear Algebra and Numerical methods. I'm going to work through Arfkens 2nd edition of math methods. Any thing else I should...
  2. D

    What is the branching ratio for alpha decay to Pu-237?

    I understand that In general, the branching ratio for a particular decay mode is defined as the ratio of the number of atoms decaying by that decay mode to the number decaying in total. But I can’t get this specific branching ratio.
  3. JD_PM

    Nucleon-nucleon scattering; why can we assume ##l=0##?

    I have found the following explanation: Isn't ##l \hbar = mvR## (semi-classical argument) wrong? I'd state ##mvR = \sqrt{l(l+1)} \hbar## instead. Text is coming from Introduction to Nuclear Physics; Krane, pages 87 and 88.
  4. DHO232

    I Does a photon experience time while interacting with the weak force?

    Long time reader, first time posting here in physics forums. I know that according to relativity photons have no proper time. I also know that a photon of sufficient energy can interact with a nucleus's nuclear force via the weak interaction resulting in pair production. I was looking at a...
  5. JD_PM

    A Why are there only two possible spin-eigenstates for deuterium's nucleus?

    I am studying the deuterium's nucleus. As we know, there are just two eigenstates for a spin 1/2 particle: either spin up or spin down. Thus, over the whole nucleus, you get 4 possible combinations: 1) Spin up-spin up 2) Spin up-spin down 3) Spin down-spin up 4) Spin down-spin down If you...
  6. JD_PM

    Nuclear An "Introduction to Nuclear Physics" book

    Hi, I am wondering what's the best (or one of the best) available books on Introduction to Nuclear Physics. I started reading Krane's, which is a good book. However I am looking for more options. I am most interested in books which give a deep insight into physics concepts without lacking of...
  7. JD_PM

    A How to explain the nuclear radius of Uranium 238 using QM

    I am studying how to determine the nuclear charge radius from direct measurement of the Coulomb energy differences of nuclei. My book says that there is strong evidence which suggests that the nuclear force does not distinguish between protons and neutrons. Thus changing a proton into a...
  8. JD_PM

    I Nuclear physics exercises translation from Dutch to English

    Google translator does not really help me translating these exercises. May you help me out? If this is not the site I should I ask for translation of physics texts, may you tell me where should I ask for that?
  9. A

    A Influence on Neutron spectrum due to energy loss of beam

    Suppose some protons are impacted on a Lithium target to produce neutrons with energies close to the proton energy. If one considers Energy-loss due to proton-target collision (ionization of the target atoms), will this kind of energy loss influence neutron energy spectrum? I am asked by my...
  10. A

    What’s the relation between activity and half-life

    I’m confused because there are two equations: 1) A=λN 2) A=A0exp^-(λt)If half-life increases, λ decreases, and A decreases according to 1); but, If half life increases, λ decreases, hence exp^-(λt) decreases, A should decreases according to 2)Why is this so? Where went wrong? Thanks!
  11. S

    I Am I understanding the Geiger-Nuttall law correctly

    Geiger–Nuttall rule relates the decay constant of a radioactive isotope with the energy of the alpha particles emitted. Roughly speaking, it states that short-lived isotopes emit more energetic alpha particles than long-lived ones. - wiki I am trying to understand why there is an inverse...
  12. S

    Calculate velocity of the fastest neutron inside a 96Mo nucl

    Homework Statement Calculate the velocity of the fastest neutron in a 96Mo nucleus and, based on this, explain whether or not we are safe to consider such nucleons in a non-relativistic way. Hint: first calculate the Fermi energy. Homework Equations Fermi energy from Fermi gas model...
  13. S

    I Why are higher magic numbers not accurately predicted?

    Why are higher magic numbers not accurately predicted if nuclear potential is assumed to be a central potential? Nuclei with magic numbers have a higher stability that those without. If we think of the nuclear potential as a central potential though these magic numbers aren't predicted...
  14. S

    What is the range and time period of this particle?

    Homework Statement The longer-range inter-nucleon force is not a direct result of the gluon field, but is indirectly affected by a quark-antiquark pair (i.e. meson). If this ‘residual’ strong interaction between nucleons is mediated by a π-meson, then what is the maximum time period in which...
  15. S

    I Time period in which an interaction with a π-meson happens?

    The longer-range inter-nucleon force is not a direct result of the gluon field, but is indirectly affected by a quark-antiquark pair (meson). If this ‘residual’ strong interaction between nucleons is mediated by a π-meson, then what is the maximum time period in which the interaction takes...
  16. S

    I Distribution of nucleons in the nuclei

    What does this diagram tell us about the distribution of nucleons in the nuclei? - The diagram is from Krane Introductory Nuclear Physics I know that nucleons don't congregate around a central part of a nucleus, but instead have a constant distribution throughout. i.e. The number of nucleons...
  17. S

    I Specifically, why is the neutron heavier than the proton?

    Proton is made of 2 up, 1 down quarks Neutron is made of 2 down, 1 up quarks The up and down quark have different masses, which account for some of the mass difference. I've also read that hadron masses depend upon the interactions/dynamics inside the particle, not just the quarks contained...
  18. S

    I Values for the spin of a nucleon

    Protons and neutrons are nucleons. The spin of a nucleon is it’s intrinsic angular momentum. Spin has no classic analogue and does not mean the particle is spinning on its axis. It’s an intrinsic property of the nucleon. Protons and neutrons are fermions and have spin quantum numbers of 1/2...
  19. C

    I Distance between two nucleons

    The potential energy associated to the interaction between nucleons has its minimum (point of equilibrium) at ##r\sim 0.7 fm##, as showed in the following graph: Nevertheless, there are two facts that are, apparently, in contrast with this: - The average distance between nucleons is...
  20. C

    I Pauli principle and coupling term in Weizsäcker formula

    Consider the pairing term in Weizsäcker formula. Here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-empirical_mass_formula#Pairing_term it is claimed that: I don't understand how Pauli exclusion principle should be the cause of this. This term comes from spin-spin interaction (or "coupling"), but I do not...
  21. C

    I Measuring characteristic time of strong and weak interaction

    Consider a scattering between two particles a and b that produces two particles c and d: d is stable, while c decays in two other different particles e and f. The first interaction is by strong force (time of interaction ##t_1\sim 10^{-23}s##, which is also the time of generation of c and d)...
  22. A

    I Calculating Double Beta Decay Rates: Is It as Simple as Multiplying Two Values?

    Hey everyone, I've learned about double beta decay and neutrinoless double beta decay recently. So we have two "conditions" for decay, 2v decay and 0v decay. Now, to the question I have: There have been a lot of experiments measuring 2v decay rates, and there have been many experiments...
  23. S

    Programs MSc in pure physics or nuclear physics?

    Myself satyabhaskar. I completed my bachelor's degree with 93% and I got 3rd rank in AUCET with the specialization of physics.Now I have a small confusion about which subject i want to choose in msc physics.My main aim is to get a govt job if it is not possible then after i will enter into...
  24. Bassam Shehadeh

    A Nuclear size at resonance states

    I'd appreciate any reference or citation shows what is the change of the nuclear radius at resonance states, especially for 56Fe and 40Ca. Thank you
  25. Swapnil Das

    Physics What are the potential career options for a Nuclear Theorist?

    Hi There! I am exploring career options in Nuclear Physics, exactly speaking, Theoretical Nuclear Physics. One of the ways to pursue a career in the field is of course in the academia, as a Professor and Researcher. But as we know, sustaining in the academia is not an easy job. I was wondering...
  26. N

    Variation of mean momentum of a nucleon with the mass number....

    Homework Statement How to determine variation of mean momentum of a nucleon with the mass number A of nucleus? Homework Equations R=R_0A^(1/3) The Attempt at a Solution Can't find a solution with elementary approach.
  27. A

    B Zero J when Z and N are even (nuclear physics)

    In the nuclear physics, why do we say that the total angular momentum J is zero when the proton number Z and the neutron number N are both even?
  28. Photonino

    I Why do systematic uncertainties disappear using ratios?

    Hello, I often hear the phrase "Well, since you are taking a ratio bin-by-bin, you don't have to care about the luminosity syst. uncertainty and the trigger efficiency syst. uncertainty". I think I understand qualitatively why this is the case (It cancels out in the ratio, since both...
  29. tinocasals

    Nuclear physics interesting experiments and activities

    Hi there, I'm looking for some interesting activities regarding nuclear physics in high school. I already have: - building a cloud chamber with dry ice or peltier modules - simulating radioactive decay with dice - simulating Rutherford's experiment hitting with glass marbles a hidden target...
  30. B

    Nuclear physics senior project

    What are some good ideas for a senior project in nuclear physics? So far I've taken the following courses (important ones): Analytical Mechanics, E&M, Introduction to Modern physics, Introduction to Nuclear physics. Right now I'm enrolled in the QM course (as well as others). I should be...
  31. N

    "Protons+electrons" model vs "protons+neutrons" model

    Homework Statement Earlier in the book it was remarked that early in the history of nuclear physics the electrically neutral mass of nuclei now attributed to neutrons was considered to arise from neutral particles composed of combinations of protons and electrons (as opposed to neutrons in...
  32. CarmenGonzalez

    [Nuclear Physics] photoelectric peak

    Homework Statement The material of which a gaseous detector is constituted has the following values of mass attenuation coefficients for a given photon energy: Rayleigh: 0.0084 cm2 / g Photoelectric: 0.071 cm2 / g Compton: 0.022 cm 2 / g Calculate the relative intensity of the photoelectric...
  33. ubergewehr273

    A question about radioactive decay

    Homework Statement Two species of radioactive atoms are mixed in equal numbers. The disintegration constant of first species is ##\lambda## and that of second species is ##\frac \lambda {3}##. After a long time, the mixture will behave as a species with mean life ________. Homework Equations...
  34. P

    About the field of nuclear physics

    hi dears first i hope that this is the right position to my topic I am a student and i want to know what is the future of nuclear physics researches and what if this field is still promising or not
  35. Eric Walker

    B Tidal effect in the balance of Coulomb and nuclear forces?

    In a heavy nucleus, the balance of the Coulomb and nuclear forces is a delicate one. This can be seen in two cases: First, in oblong deformed nuclei, alpha particle emission is more likely to occur at the poles, where the Coulomb barrier is thinner, than at the waist. Second, heavy synthetic...
  36. Sai Maurice

    Engineering Nuclear physicist with nuclear engineering PhD?

    Hello Physicsforums. The title states my main question, but there is a little bit more than is revealed there. 1. Can you become a nuclear physicist with a nuclear engineering PhD? 2. If not, then can I get a PhD in nuclear physics with a double major in mechanical engineering and mathematics...
  37. A

    Learn Quantum & Nuclear Physics: 14 Y/O

    As a 14 year old, my access to resources is limited to what I can find on my phone or occasionally in the library. With this consideration, can anyone recommend some good online resource for learning quantum physics and nuclear physics. I already have the background knowledge, I understand...
  38. weezy

    I A question about a particle's de Broglie wavelength

    For electron scattering experiment which measures charge radius of the nucleus, it's said that energies of scattering electrons (or protons) must be such that their wavelength size is of the same order as nuclear dimensions. While i understand why this must be true I'm not entirely sure. My...
  39. P

    Nuclear Theoretical Nuclear Physics Textbook

    Hello, I am interested in getting into low-energy experimental nuclear physics. I have studied quantum mechanics and a few introductory nuclear science textbooks (e.g. Shultis + Faw: Introduction to Nuclear Science and Engineering). I found the textbook Theoretical Nuclear Physics by Blatt...
  40. A

    Fermi Decay: ∆S=0 & ∆J=0 Class of Decay

    I think that this is a relatively easy question (no equations) however I cannot seem to find anything on it. "For which specific class of decay is only the Fermi decay mode possible?" I know Fermi decay is ∆S=0 and therefore ∆J=0 type of decay
  41. Mzzed

    Nuclear Nuclear Physics Book Recommendations?

    Does anyone have some good recommendations for basic nuclear physics books? I'm not particularly fussed about the detailed maths at the moment but I'm mostly searching for books on neutron radiation and the interaction of different neutron temperatures with different materials. Also anything on...
  42. A

    B Why Is Binding Energy Subtracted in Nuclear Mass Calculations?

    The mass of the nucleus is calculated as follows: mass (nucleus) = [Number of protons * Mass of proton] + [Number of Neutrons * mass of neutron] - [Binding energy/c^2] Why is the contribution to mass from the binding energy subtracted from the mass of the nucleus rather than being added to...
  43. spareine

    B How to pronounce a nuclear reaction written in AZE notation?

    Pronouncing a nuclear reaction like as "one,zero,neutron + 235,92,uranium yields 141,56,barium + 92,36,krypton + 3,1,0,neutron" is awkward. How is it pronounced by physicists in practice?
  44. M

    X-ray tube flux and my experimental test setup

    Hi everyone! I'm starting to work with a mini X-ray tube provided by Amptek. I want to use it to calculate the efficiency of a detector I'm going to use latter, so knowing the total flux the tube emmits and measuring the flux the detector receives, that should be enough (both data normalized to...
  45. A

    B How can you justify that the degree of instability inside a

    How does the degree of instability relates with the Energy released and the binding energy?
  46. Ian Baughman

    I What does this symbol represent?

    In my nuclear engineering class we are looking at relativity right now. For one of our homework problems we have to derive an equation for a particle moving at relativistic speed showing the kinetic energy in terms of the particles momentum. In the answer they have a term mc and I have no idea...
  47. H

    B What is the meaning of decay mode IT in nuclear physics ?

    I showed beta decay in decay mode of Nuclear chart..but I couldn't find what is the meaning if IT 100%..
  48. WhiteWolf98

    Activity of 1 g of carbon if 1 in 10^12 atoms are carbon-14

    Homework Statement Carbon-14 decays by β emission and has a half-life of 5570 years. What is the decay constant of carbon-14? What is the activity of 1 g of carbon if 1 in 1012 atoms are carbon-14? After what time will the activity per gram have fallen to 3 Bq? Homework Equations λt½ = ln(2)...
  49. J

    Other Nuclear engineering vs nuclear physics vs quantum physics

    This is my final year at high school and i don't know which college is better for study. i love physics and chemistry especially nuclear subjects So i have lots of questions like what I'll study and the applications of it , where I'll work and which one is deeply focus on nuclear stuff...
  50. Crush1986

    Other Experimental Nuclear Physics Job Prospects

    Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone here knows about the current job prospects for someone with a Ph.D. in experimental nuclear physics. Jobs more so out in industry I guess is what I'm wondering. Any information would be great. I've done some searches on google and see some listings...
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