Nuclear physics/chemistry text for advance high school short course

[drabah]

I am looking for a suitable text for a short course that will be taught over a 16 week period. Students will take this nation-wide to compete for cash prizes and a college scholarship. Each year the subject matter is different and this year, it will be nuclear physics and chemistry.

I am looking for an introductory college-level text that will discuss in detail such topics as radioactivity, mass defect, transmutation, synthesis of transuranium elements, neutron activation analysis, quantum chromodynamics (on an elementary scale), fission and fusion reactions, nuclear medicine, bremstrahlung, Cherenkov radiation, radiation-induced mutations and the like. Perhaps morethan one text will be necessary. In past years, we have used texts of about 500-750 pages (subjects have included astronomy, organic and biochemistry, and forensic science). My doctorate is in organic chemistry, so I know little about the available sources for physics texts.

Any help that anyone can provide me with will be greatly appreciated.



Art Friedman

 

[myanmar]

Can you give more information on the competition? It sounds like something I'd be interested in.

 

[charng]

, Ph.D.

Dear Art Friedman, Ph.D.,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding a suitable text for a short course on nuclear physics and chemistry for advanced high school students. As a scientist with a background in organic chemistry, I am happy to provide some recommendations for texts that may meet your needs.

Firstly, I would suggest "Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications" by John Lilley. This text covers a wide range of topics in nuclear physics, including radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and nuclear medicine. It also includes discussions on nuclear energy, nuclear astrophysics, and nuclear weapons. With over 600 pages, it may be a good fit for your course.

Another option is "Introduction to Nuclear Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane. This text provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of nuclear physics, including nuclear structure, radioactive decay, and nuclear reactions. It also covers advanced topics such as nuclear fission and fusion, as well as applications in medicine and industry.

For a more in-depth look at nuclear chemistry, I would recommend "Nuclear and Radiochemistry: Fundamentals and Applications" by Karl Heinrich Lieser. This text covers the basics of nuclear chemistry, including nuclear reactions, nuclear decay, and radioactivity. It also delves into more advanced topics such as nuclear fuel cycles, nuclear waste management, and environmental applications of nuclear chemistry.

Depending on the level of your students, you may also want to consider "Modern Nuclear Chemistry" by Walter D. Loveland, David J. Morrissey, and Glenn T. Seaborg. This text is more advanced and may be better suited for students with a strong background in chemistry and physics. It covers topics such as nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, and nuclear astrophysics in great detail.

In addition, I would recommend supplementing these texts with other resources such as articles from scientific journals and online lectures from reputable universities to provide a well-rounded and up-to-date understanding of nuclear physics and chemistry.

I hope these suggestions are helpful in your search for a suitable text for your short course. I wish you and your students all the best in their competition and scholarship pursuits.