An Introduction to Nuclear Physics
An Introduction to Nuclear Physics
This clear and concise introduction to nuclear physics provides an excellent basis for a core undergraduate course in this area. The book opens by setting nuclear physics in the context of elementary particle physics and then shows how simple models can provide an understanding of the properties of nuclei, both in their ground states and excited states, and also of the nature of nuclear reactions. The book also includes chapters on nuclear fission, its application in nuclear power reactors, the role of nuclear physics in energy production and nucleosynthesis in stars. This second edition contains several additional topics: muon-catalysed fusion, the nuclear and neutrino physics of supernovae, neutrino mass and neutrino oscillations, and the biological effects of radiation. A knowledge of basic quantum mechanics and special relativity is assumed. Appendices deal with other more specialized topics. Each chapter ends with a set of problems for which outline solutions are provided.
- Nuclear physics set in the context of elementary particle physics
- Includes instructive problems with outline solutions
- Discusses numerous applications of nuclear physics
Reviews & endorsements
'This clear and concise introduction to nuclear physics provide an excellent basis for a 'core' undergraduate course in this area.' Physics Courier
Product details
February 2001Paperback
9780521657334
288 pages
229 × 153 × 17 mm
0.392kg
56 b/w illus. 11 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface to the second edition
- Preface to the first edition
- Constants of nature, conversion factors and notation
- Glossary of some important symbols
- 1. Prologue
- 2. Leptons and the electromagnetic and weak interactions
- 3. Nucleons and the strong interaction
- 4. Nuclear sizes and nuclear masses
- 5. Ground-state properties of nuclei: the shell model
- 6. Alpha decay and spontaneous fission
- 7. Excited states of nuclei
- 8. Nuclear reactions
- 9. Power from nuclear fission
- 10. Nuclear fusion
- 11. Nucleosynthesis in stars
- 12. Beta decay and gamma decay
- 13. Neutrinos
- 14. The passage of energetic particles through matter
- Appendix A. Cross-sections
- Appendix B. Density of states
- Appendix C. Angular momentum
- Appendix D. Unstable states and resonances
- Further reading
- Answers to problems
- Index.
