Nuclear Physics

AY2014/2015 Semester 1

This course provides a basic understanding of the structure of nuclei and their properties. Properties of nuclei: radii, masses, abundances, binding energies, spins and EM moments Nuclear structure: deuteron, nucleon-nucleon scattering in terms of an exchange force. Nuclear models: the semi-empirical mass formula, the Fermi gas model, the shell model, liquid drop model with vibrational and rotational excitations, collective structure Energy balances and spin/parity selection rules of alpha, beta and gamma decay processes Measurement of nuclear lifetimes, applications of nuclear physics including fusion and fission processes. Nuclear reactors and nuclear power; neutron diffusion and moderation; radiation protection and radiation shielding; safety & the environment.