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. S

    Solve Nuclear Physics Decay Problem: A&B Half-Life

    Problem is: have a mother and daughter sample, A and B respectively. both are radioactive. The number of daughter nuclei at time t is given by (*): n(t)=\frac{N_{0}\lambda_{A}}{\lambda_{B}-\lambda_{A}}[e^{-\lambda_{A}t}-e^{-\lambda_{B}t}] where N_0 is number of mother nuclei at t=0 and n(t)...
  2. K

    Why Do We Convert MeV to Joules in Nuclear Physics Calculations?

    (NOT HOMEWORK)Hey guys the question in the textbook goes like this: Q) It is found that alpha particles with a KE of 7.7MeV bounce back off an aluminium target. If the charge of an aluminium nucleus is +2.1*10^-18C, calculate the velocity of the alpha particles(mass 6.7*10^-27kg)...
  3. Z

    Why can't I find many nuclear physics textbooks ?

    Why can't I find many nuclear physics textbooks ?? Why are nuclear physics textbooks so few compared with quantum field theory texts for example?
  4. Z

    IF I want to research breeder reactors, do I go for NucEng or Nuclear Physics?

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  5. S

    Physics Finding a Job in the U.S. with a Background in Nuclear Physics: Tips and Advice

    Hello, I'm a French scientific programmer with a PhD in Nuclear Physics. During and after my PhD, I worked and still work at a French national laboratory on nuclear energy working on scientific software. I'm moving to the U.S. in a few months for my American wife's career in Northern...
  6. J

    News Is Universal Access to Nuclear Physics Information a Path to Global Destruction?

    Access to Nuclear physics info I would like to start a general chat about access to nuclear physics information. But not a scientific discussion. The discussion should be a theological discussion about the general implications of every single person on the planet having access to nuclear...
  7. G

    How to Fit Half Lives of Polonium Isotopes to an Exponential Curve

    Homework Statement We are given a table of half lives of polonium isotopes and their corresponding alpha particle K.E. and asked to fit the data to the curve of : half life=Ae^(B/sqrt(K.E.)) to find the constants A and B. Homework Equations half life=Ae^(B/sqrt(K.E.)) The...
  8. C

    A couple of nuclear physics questions to do with Iodine

    Homework Statement A couple of questions I am drawing a bit of a mental blank on: 1. If a hospital were using an Iodine-125 source, how often would the source need to be replaced with a new one? State any assumptions. 2. Why, of all of the isotopes of Iodine produced in a fission reaction...
  9. W

    Few questions about nuclear physics

    I have this test and there are few questions that I can't answer or don't know if I'm right. 1) You need to measure the half-life of some random element. What instruments do you need? What values you need to measure? What results you will probably get? 2) You need to check the radioactivity...
  10. A

    Statistical Mechanics and Nuclear Physics books

    As the title suggests, does anyone know any good books for (introductory) Statistical Mechanics and/or Nuclear Physics? Any input is greatly appreciated :-p.
  11. S

    What is the difference between particle physics and nuclear physics?

    What is the difference between particle physics and nuclear physics? Two areas is often treated as a single region as "nuclear and particle physics". Some author of paper, however, distinguish sharply between the two regions. I want to know the boundaries of particle physics and nuclear physics.
  12. E

    Book on theoretical nuclear physics

    Can you recommend a good book on the theoretical side of nuclear physics?
  13. S

    Nuclear physics - ruthford scattering

    Homework Statement Calculate the rate alpha particles reaches a detector in a ruthford scattering given the following data: Kinetic energy of particles: 10Mev rate of hitting the target: 10^6 particles/second target is thin lead foil 1mm thick and has the density of 11.3 g/second the detector...
  14. E

    QFT for Nuclear Physicists: Course Value & Weak Interaction

    Is there any value in taking a course in QFT for a nuclear physicist student? I'd like to take a course on QFT just out of interest, but if it's more useful to take an extra course on solid state physics (I'm not sure if I want to do research in nuclear or nuclear solid state physics) I'm doing...
  15. R

    Strong and weak interactions in nuclear physics

    Homework Statement How do we determine whether we have a strong or a weak interaction? (for the following processes) For example we have a reaction K^{-}+p\Rightarrow \Xi^{-}+K^{+} or another example K^{+}\Rightarrow \pi^{+}+\pi^{0} thanks!
  16. S

    Nuclear physics - decay constant

    Homework Statement Hello. Im having a problem here, i got a sample of Au nucleis. I'm bombing them with neutrons and each second 20^10 of them undergo a reaction where they turn radioactive. Im trying to look at this problem as if i would have a sample of radioactive materia which decaying to...
  17. N

    I'm in grade 12 and I want to get into nuclear physics.

    Should I choose Mcmaster or Waterloo? lots say waterloo is good for engineering, but I don't know if it is the best university in Canada when it comes to nuclear physics. Mcmaster has a nuclear reactor. So I really want to know which one will be the best choice. Please help me out, I am stuck...
  18. N

    Understanding the Frictional Cooling Method in Nuclear Physics

    can you tell me what's the frictional cooling method? it is one of general varional methods, i read it in some nuclear papers,but i cannot understand it, thank you !
  19. N

    That being said, what is the best textbook for learning nuclear physics?

    Hey Everyone, I'm an undergraduate student attempting to learn some nuclear physics. It's not offered at my university but a professor of mine said that if I can get him a textbook he'll do an independent study with me where he teaches me from it. Any suggestions? I have close to no...
  20. N

    Programs Nuclear Engineering B.S/M.S to Nuclear Physics PhD?

    This fall I will officially start taking major courses for physics or engineering. I'd like to see what a few people in each field think of this. So here's my situation: I have already been taking courses at a community college and as non-degree student at NC State University for 3 years...
  21. R

    How crucial is nuclear physics for the undergrad curriculum?

    Hi, me again. Just a quick question. In a few hours I need to go the Canadian Embassy to file for a study permit, and while I was keen on going to the University of Alberta, I talked with them and they really do not offer nuclear physics (or, for example, medical physics) as part of their...
  22. E

    MSc nuclear physics or molecular and cellular biophysics

    In my university (Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) we have http://www.kuleuven.be/onderwijs/aanbod/opleidingen/E/SC_51017023.htm" with a few options: theoretical, nuclear, solid state, soft matter. I always wanted to do nuclear physics (and theoretical, but my math background isn't...
  23. F

    Nuclear physics and the oil spill.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7726142/Barack-Obama-sends-nuclear-experts-to-tackle-BPs-Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-leak.html I don't know a damn thing about nuclear physics so can anyone shed some light here? How does this apply to nuclear physics? What are some of...
  24. R

    Nuclear physics: neutral atomic mass vs. atomic mass

    Homework Statement I am preparing a presentation on nuclear reactor technology. To demonstrate the mass-energy equivalence, I am trying to calculate the binding energy of some heavier isotopes. The problem is that, when I substitute the values that I have into the equation, I get a...
  25. K

    Nuclear Physics and binding energy

    Homework Statement A nucleus of mass M + m1 is at rest and decays into two daughter nuclei of equal mass M/2 each. The binding energy per nucleon for the parent nucleus is A and that for the daughter nucleus is B. Which is greater A or B? Homework Equations Binding energy per nucleon=...
  26. S

    Nuclear Physics Book: Krane or Most Up to Date?

    The most commonly used book to study Introductory Nuclear physics is by Krane which is quite old. Is it still good? If not then which is the most up to date introductory book on the subject?
  27. K

    Nuclear Physics reaction equilibrium

    Homework Statement 238U with half life of 4.5e9 years decays by alpha and beta(-) to stable 206Pb in a decay chain a) how many beta decays are involved b) What is the rate of alpha particle production in a rock containing 1.0g of 238U with all of the daughters in equilibirum? c) Calculate the...
  28. U

    Nuclear Physics Book: Rigorous & Easy to Understand

    Hello everyone, I need a book on nuclear physics. One that covers approximately same material as "Concepts of nuclear physics, Bernard L Cohen" but is a little more rigorous in its approach. My background in Quantum mechanics is limited to "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffith". It...
  29. B

    What are the best textbook options for a graduate nuclear physics class?

    Hi. I am soliciting opinions for a choice of textbook in a graduate nuclear physics class. I am woefully uneducated in such things. I know of Das and Ferbel (my own textbook when I was a student), which is really not appropriate for a graduate course I think; and Sam Wong's textbook, which is...
  30. E

    News Tehran blast kills nuclear physics scientist

    An Iranian nuclear physics scientist has been killed in a remote-controlled bomb attack in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Dr. Massoud Ali-Mohammadi, a lecturer at the Tehran University and a staunch supporter of the Islamic Revolution, was killed in booby-trapped motorbike blast on Tuesday...
  31. Astronuc

    Nuclear Physics Notes: A Summary from Canada

    I nice summary from Canada which gives some basics that apply to nuclear energy and power reactors. http://www.nuceng.ca/igna/physicsfull.htm
  32. O

    How Do You Calculate Mass Defect and Binding Energy in Nuclear Physics?

    Hi i just wanted to clarify a few things to do with nuclear physics so if anyone could help me that would be great. 1. When calculating the mass defect do you use the given mass (the one the periodic table or the data sheet) - the mass of the protons, neutrons AND electrons or do you just...
  33. S

    How Do You Calculate Wavelength and Recoil Velocity in Nuclear Physics Problems?

    Homework Statement hey, 2 questions thanks: 1.A gamma ray is converted to an electron and a positron. If 50% of the gamma ray energy becomes kinetic energy, what is the wavelength of the gamma ray? 2.A nucleus of a radioactive element (mass 10^-25) loses 10^-26g during gamma decay. if the...
  34. PrincePhoenix

    Physics Jobs in Nuclear physics and Particle physics.

    What jobs can one get after doing a PhD in nuclear physics or particle physics except for lecturership? Where are they used?
  35. C

    Physics Is a 13 MacBook Pro suitable for a degree in Nuclear Physics?

    I plan on getting a degree in Nuclear Physics at FSU. I NEED a new laptop this year, and I don't plan on buying another one for a couple of years. I plan on getting the 13" MacBook Pro, though I don't know if it will be good enough for a degree. Like, is there any graphically or performance...
  36. J

    Can Two Nuclei with Different Protons and Neutrons Share the Same Nuclear Radii?

    Hey guys, Really confused by these problems, if anyone can answer them I will email you a coupon for a free medium 2 topping pizza from pizza hut. 1. Is it possible that two nuclei have different number of proton and different number of neutrons, but they have same nuclear radii? 2...
  37. W

    Could any one suggest one book on nuclear physics to me?

    i am a student working on theoretical atomic, molecular, optical physics i now need to know some techniques in nuclear physics i am most interested in the symmetry aspects could anyone suggest a book to me? I appreciate the help very much.
  38. P

    Solving Nuclear Physics Revision Questions: Li and Be

    Hello, I am having issues with some nuclear physics revision questions Homework Statement The following atomic masses have been determined (in Atomic mass units, u) (A = atomic mass number, Z = proton number) Li(A=7,Z=3) - 7.0182 u Be(A=7,Z=4) - 7.0192 u Indicate the stable nucleus and...
  39. B

    Nuclear physics: determine the date of the Chernobyl accident

    Homework Statement The acitvities from the fission products 131I and 133I were measured in the air of Gothenburg April 28 1986 at 17:00. The result was 0.12 Bq/m3 and 0.39 Bq/m3 for 131I and 133I respectively. These isotopes came from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. Use this...
  40. A

    Nuclear Physics, photons, electrons and positrons

    Homework Statement A photon of sufficient energy can spontaneously create an electron and positron. This will conserve charge and must conserve energy. What is the minimum energy photon (in MeV and J) that can create an electron-positron pair? Homework Equations V=W/q (?) The...
  41. A

    Nuclear Physics, portons and neutrons

    Homework Statement You have 10 protons and 10 neutrons to paly with (mass of oxygen = 15.994915) a. What is the mass of an oxygen nucleus that you build with equal numbers of protons and neutrons? b. What is the binding energy of this nucleus? Homework Equations E=mc^2...
  42. Q

    A Good Atomic and Nuclear physics book?

    Could anyone tell me a good book on Atomic and Nuclear physics?
  43. K

    Application of nuclear physics in agriculture

    I am looking for appliction of nuclear physics in agriculture. i have actually found that it is mostly used in Genetically modified crops. These are modified in order to allow them to resist to some change of climat or to adapt a certain region. My problem now is that i did not find used...
  44. W

    Nuclear Physics - mean-square charge radius of a uniformly charged sphere

    Homework Statement Show that the mean-square charge radius of a uniformly charged sphere (with radius R) is < r^2 > = 3*R^2 / 5 Homework Equations < r^2 > = \int \varphif* r^2 \varphii dV \varphif* = exp(-i q dot r) \varphii = exp(i q dot r) where q = kf - ki...
  45. R

    Name a good nuclear Physics book

    I have started this subject with Cohen.But he uses so little mathematics throughout the book.i also find it really old-fashioned.I am a beginner and i am looking for a good nuclear physics book.can anyone out here suggest me some?
  46. V

    Nuclear physics and radio activity

    One isotope (X) contains an equal number of protons and neutrons. Another isotope (Y) of the same element has twice the number of neutrons as the first isotope does. Determine the ratio rY/rX of the nuclear radii of the isotopes.
  47. O

    Number theory and nuclear physics

    I am currently taking a course in number theory, and I stumbled upon a book on amazon which relates number theory to quantum and nuclear physics... Is this possible? In what areas and how? As previously mentioned I am taking a course on it so if anyone can give the specific mathematical...
  48. N

    Help understanding Nuclear physics concepts

    Hello, I am a Computer Science student and am working on a nuclear physics code. Actually I am not a physics guy but need to have a very basic understanding of some nuclear physics terms. I am reading a paper on this project and need your help in understanding some concepts. Some of...
  49. jal

    Future Prospects for Nuclear Physics

    This is no joke! Has anyone here done any work on this neutron skin? http://www.sirius.ac.uk/BSC_future_prospects_for_nuclear_phy.htm Future prospects for nuclear physics ----- jal
  50. K

    Nuclear Physics - Mass Defect &amp; Binding Energy

    [SOLVED] Nuclear Physics - Mass Defect &amp; Binding Energy 1. Carbon 12 (^{12}_{6}C) has a nuclear mass of 1.99264 x 10-26 kg, a proton has a mass of 1.67353 x 10-27, and a neutron has a mass of 1.67492 x 10-27 kg. Calculate the mass defect for carbon 12. My equation looks like this...
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