What is Nuclear physics: Definition and 292 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. Coffee_

    Nuclear physics reaction, minimal energy to make it work

    1. Consider the reaction that happens when a photon collides with an atomic electron in rest ##\gamma+e^{-} <---> K^{-} + v_{e}##. The masses of all particles can be considered as known. What is the minimal energy that the photon needs to have to make this reaction work?2. Conservation of four...
  2. M

    Should I be a Nuclear engineer or physicist?

    Hey anyone, I am not all that good at academics and so I'm in a bind. I want to be an engineer, but no way I can transfer into Purdue's main campus, just can't get my gpa up there. I can stay at the calumet branch and get a physics degree, but my love is nuclear energy. I come here because i...
  3. FuturePhysicist

    Fusion Reactor Power Supply.

    Hello, I'm 15 and very interested in physics. I'm building a safe nuclear fusion reactor as a science project. (I know how to safely handle high voltage and radiation) I have a question about the power supply. First off, I know that fusion takes around 40 Kilo-volts and it needs to have a...
  4. Sats

    Schools Interested in Nuclear Physics - How's my grad school list?

    Hey guys, I've been asking around trying to see what schools on my list are 'reach', 'safety', or 'matches' for my profile. I was wondering if you guys could take a look and let me know if there's something that's too crazy or well within reach (or if I should just wait 'till next semester based...
  5. J

    Maximum kinetic energy of a Pion produced via a kaon decay

    Homework Statement A possible decay mode a of a positive Kaon in the production of three Pions as shown below:. K+ → π+ + π+ + π− Whats is the maximum Kinetic energy that anyone of the pions can have? The kaon is a rest when...
  6. P

    Switching from Optical/Ultrafast Laser Physics to Nuclear Physics

    I recently received by Ph.D. in physics. Most of my physics experience is experimental work with optics, ultrafast laser science, laser plasma physics (relatively weakly ionized and atmospheric density plasmas), and RF and microwave experiments. However, I would really like to get involved...
  7. A

    In the CNO cycle, how does Nitrogen-15 become Carbon-12 and Helium-4?

    Homework Statement I understand the rest of the cycle, the way my textbook has it, which is: 12C→13N→13C→14N→15O→15N→12C+4He The portion in bold is what I don't understand. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I do understand that when the mass number increases (like from Carbon-13 to...
  8. P

    Programs Is it possible to pursue a career in nuclear physics without getting a degree?

    I am currently in my final year at college and wish to pursue a career in nuclear physics as this is something which strongly interests me. However, if it is possible i would rather skip the university part and take a different route into the career like an apprenticeship. i have found it hard...
  9. S

    How to switch from B.Tech Mechanical to MSc Physics (Nuclear Physics)?

    Hello Everyone, This post is with regards to queries for which I am still struggling to find answer. I am really confused about what to do in future. My question is how to do a MSc in Physics or Nuclear Physics after completing B.Tech? I will be explaining my situation below and I will try...
  10. C

    Difference between fusion and fission

    Hi there, Sorry if thisis a stupid question its just been bugging me for a while and I am not a scientist as such so need help with the answer... nuclear fission is where two atoms collide and release energy yes? nuclear fusion is where two atoms combine to release energy and a new isotope...
  11. Cen

    What is the best academic path for pursuing a career in Nuclear Fusion?

    I am currently in my first year of undergrad taking general science course classes with an undeclared Major. My dream is to work with Nuclear Fusion reactors, and i am at a bit of a loss at choosing Majors. Should I make my concentration "Applied physics specializing in Nuclear Engineering(or...
  12. A

    Apps of nuclear physics in medicine

    how images of body organisms are are formed in positron emission tomography...?
  13. S

    Can Beta Decay Occur to a Ground State in Nuclear Physics?

    What is difference between beta particle and electron? I mean in spin, mass or other properties.
  14. S

    Understanding W-Boson Decay: Electron & Anti-Neutrino Formation

    How W- boson decay into electron and anti neutrino?
  15. R

    A question regarding Y=B+S by a nuclear physics toddler

    If Q=e[I+0.5Y] and Y=B+S. What is the Q/e and S value for ρ and k mesons, Ω and Δ baryons? I means third component of isospin and Y,B,S,Q,e have usual meanings? This is the question. I don't even know what these symbol means. Can someone please explain the symbols and solve this problem.
  16. R

    A question regarding Y=B+S by a nuclear physics toddler

    If Q=e[I+0.5Y] and Y=B+S. What is the Q/e and S value for ρ and k mesons, Ω and Δ baryons? I means third component of isospin and Y,B,S,Q,e have usual meanings? This is the question. I don't even know what these symbol means. Can someone please explain the symbols and solve this problem.
  17. djh101

    Blatt vs. Krane (Nuclear Physics)

    I will be needing to pick up a nuclear physics book one of these days. Krane seems to be a pretty popular recommendation, but the price is a little but high. I've heard good things about Blatt, but never in comparison to Krane. So how does Blatt hold up to Krane? Are they suitable for the same...
  18. A

    Exploring Career Options in Physics: Combining Astrophysics and Nuclear Energy

    Hello! I apologize in advance if this has been asked before, or if it more properly belongs in the career section - I wasn't sure since I'm still at university. I'm currently in the middle of my undergrad studies in physics with an astronomy focus. My plan has been to go on to grad school to...
  19. C

    How to construct CD2 target for experimental nuclear physics

    Hi guys, I am currently trying to figure out the best way to create a target of deuterated polyethylene for neutron detection. I have ~30g of this very expensive powder and need to determine the best way to create a thick target (thick as in ~5cm, not a thin film like is used for proton...
  20. B

    Conservation of angular momentum in nuclear physics

    Say a uranium-238 nucleus with angular momentum II decays to thorium-234 plus an alpha particle. Will the sum of the angular momenta of the thorium-234 nucleus and the alpha particle equal II? What if a photon was emitted during this process, would Ithorium+Iα+hbar=II? thanks
  21. Saitama

    Nuclear physics problem - energy of reaction

    Homework Statement To activate the reaction ##(n,\alpha)## with stationary ##B^{11}## nuclei, neutrons must have the activation kinetic energy ##T_{th}=4\,MeV##. ##(n,\alpha)## means that ##n## is bombarded to obtain ##\alpha##. Find the energy of this reaction. (Ans: ##Q=-11/12 T_{th}##)...
  22. R

    Symmetry energy in nuclear physics

    I have a question about symmetry energy in semi-empirical mass formula, According to semi-empirical mass formula as follows: E=avA-asA2/3-acZ(Z-1)/A1/3-asym(N-Z)2/A why in the symmetry energy only squared parameter symmetry are exist and there is not the first power of asymmetry parameter?
  23. T

    About the q value problem in nuclear physics

    About the Q values , the textbook are using the Q= Δ m c^2 where (Δ m = mass_initial - mass_final). When Q < 0 is endothermic and when Q > 0 is exothermic nuclear process. But i use the another way round , i use the concept of thermodynamics and physical chemistry, Q > 0 is endothermic and...
  24. R

    Understanding the Shell Model in Nuclear Physics

    Hi Just a quick question that I have been wondering about ... how do nucleons fill energy levels, and what is the maximum number of nucleons that can occupy each level? The given pattern is: 1s, 1p, 1d, 2s, 1f, 2p, 1g, etc I can see no obvious pattern here. Can anyone explain? I...
  25. C

    Nuclear Physics: Recoil in gamma decay

    Homework Statement Question wants you to a) find the difference between Egamma and the excitation energy of the nucleus due to the fact that the nucleus recoils. (using approximation that Egamma is small relative to nucleus mass. other parts are simple if I can get a)Homework Equations...
  26. L

    Nuclear physics: critical state and fission

    When a nuclear reactor is in a critical state, the neutrons released in each fission trigger an average of exactly one additional fission. If the average number of additional fissions triggered rises above one, the reactor enters a supercritical state in which the fission rate and the thermal...
  27. P

    Physics Physicist Looking to Move from Optics/Lasers/EM to Nuclear Physics

    I am about to graduate with a physics Ph.D. My University is very strong in optics, photonics and electromagnetism, and even basic quantum mechanics (for topics like entanglement and solid state physics) but rather weak in nuclear physics. Thing is, nuclear physics has always fascinated me and...
  28. M

    What knowledge do I need to go into nuclear physics?

    Hello all. I was just wondering what kind of things I would need to know if I wanted to become a nuclear physicist? I'll be honest, I've never been very strong in any math or science. Almost every teacher I've had in math or science has pretty much crushed what little confidence I had in both...
  29. S

    MHB Uncovering the Mysteries of Nuclear Physics: A Practice Test and Worksheet

    I would really appreciate if someone could assist me with these questions: https://www.dropbox.com/s/q2wg088b6ictn7f/Worksheet_Nuc_Science_2013_Edited_Cut.docx?m :)
  30. A

    Questions about nuclear physics inside a star

    Hi! I am currently interested in working on a simulator that emulates the creation of a star in c++. Basically, I'm thinking of generating a large number of particles (protons) fairly close to each other and apply gravitational and electro-magnetic force to them, and then see what happens. It...
  31. L

    The proton elastic form factor (nuclear physics)

    Homework Statement The elastic form factors of the proton are well described by the form G(q2) = \frac{G(0)}{(1 + (\frac{q^{2}}{0.71})^{2}} with qw in GeV2. Show that an exponential distribution in the proton given by ρ(r) = ρoe-λr Homework Equations thought it to be the...
  32. Astronuc

    Nuclear Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane

    Author: Kenneth S. Krane Title: Introductory Nuclear Physics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/047180553X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: It is expected that students have some experience with quantum mechanics/physics. A course in Modern Physics and a mathematical background...
  33. W

    Any reference on Fermi's contribution to nuclear physics?

    i would like to read some stories in Fermi's research
  34. P

    What are some good resources for learning about nuclear physics?

    Hey, sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I'm new here I'm in high school and have read several books on nuclear physics, and have become very intrigued by it. I am wondering were to start in terms of good learning resources for physics and nuclear physics, and how to go about...
  35. M

    Nuclear Physics or Nuclear Engineer?

    Hey guys I had a quick question about working at a Nuclear Power Plant. I want to become one of the Nuclear inspectors but I don't know which degree to go for. Is it the Nuclear Engineer because I have been noticing that more when looking more into power plants. I was going to go for a PhD in...
  36. N

    Physics What Career Options are Available in the Field of Nuclear Physics?

    Hello all! I've graduated my undergraduate Masters in Physics with astrophysics this summer, and am now looking into doing a postgraduate Masters in The Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors as the area holds great interest for me. The problem is I don't really know anything about the...
  37. R

    Nuclear Physics: Relationship between Radius of Nucleus And Mass Number

    Hello, I'm an AS student and probably going to study A2. I was wondering if someone tell me how to work out these questions, step by step? Relationship between Radius of Nucleus And Mass Number 1. By assuming that the density of the nucleus is the same for all elements in the periodic table...
  38. R

    Schools What to study in college: Astrophysics or Nuclear Physics?

    I'm currently trying to figure out which field of Physics I should study. I have a huge interest in learning Astrophysics and am open to learning about nuclear physics. My current college has a great program for studying Nuclear Physics and numerous internship and research possibilities for...
  39. B

    Engineering MS in Nuclear Physics to job in Nuclear Engineering

    Here goes another post about transitioning from Physics to Engineering... I am 22 years old, and I will graduate with my MS in Nuclear Physics in May (current GPA: 4.0/4.0). My thesis is primarily concerned with the software development of a silicon detector that's located on a heavy ion...
  40. E

    Nuclear Physics - Difference between electron capture and beta plus decay

    So my question has a few parts to it. First, if an atom is decaying and the proton (Z) number is decreasing in the decay process, am I correct in assuming that the nucleus is either decaying by electron capture of beta plus emission? Secondly, I understand that beta plus emission can only...
  41. A

    Calculating Energy Released in Nuclear Reaction

    Homework Statement Calculate the energy released from the following reaction:- 2(H) ---> He [mass number for H = 2, atomic number for H = 1, mass number for He = 4, atomic number for He = 2] Data: the mass of the H in the reaction = 2.0242 u, and its kinetic energy = 925 M.ev and the mass...
  42. T

    Radiation & nuclear physics, linear attenuation Co-60, Cs-137-

    Hello there. I've been struggling with this one for quite a long time now and decided to ask if any of you people could point out what I'm missing here. There are actually three problems which are related to each other. I managed to solve the first and the second one, but the third is where I...
  43. E

    Nuclear Physics: charmed baryons

    Hi, So I have this problem about baryons: The lightest charmed baryons have quark compositions cab with zero angular momentum (L_12 = L_3 = 0) where c is the charmed quark and a & b can be any of the light quarks (u, d, s). Show that the resulting states can be classified into 3 families...
  44. T

    Is this nuclear physics question's answer correct?

    Homework Statement What is the power output of a reactor fueled by uranium-235 if it takes 30 days to use up 10 Kg of fuel and if each fission gives 200 MeV of energy. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution (I was absent that day so this answer is from someone else's...
  45. L

    Nuclear Physics - Find the s wave phase shift

    Homework Statement In a pp differential cross section, we have the differential cross section dσ/dΩ = 0.111 b/steradian at a lab energy of 4.3 MeV and a lab scattering angle of 30°. What is the s wave phase shift δ? Homework Equations dσ/dΩ = sin2δ / k2 [1] k = (2mE)(1/2) / h...
  46. C

    Exploring Grad School Options in Nuclear Physics

    Can you go to grad school and just study nuclear physics or nuclear stuff?
  47. A

    Physics Details on Nuclear Physics and/or Nuclear Medicine?

    Hey, I'm a High School Student currently in grade eleven and though I've already posted about an idea of moving into Astrophysics, I've also been thinking about the possibility of nuclear medicine or nuclear physics. I do enjoy physics, chemistry and mathematics. As stated in the previous topic...
  48. R

    No problem, glad I could help!

    Homework Statement A rock contains three 207Pb nuclei for every 235U nucleus. Determine the age of the rock assuming all of the 207Pb was formed through the decay of uranium. (The half life of 235U is 0.71x109). Homework Equations N=N0e-λt The Attempt at a Solution So the decay...
  49. D

    Nuclear Physics Find molar binding energy

    Homework Statement What is the molar binding energy of the carbon 12 nuclei? Homework Equations e=mc2 The Attempt at a Solution proton mass = 1.00728u neutron mass: 1.00866u before: 6p+6n = 12.09564u after: carbon 12 = 12u delta m = 0.009564u E=mc2...
  50. 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)...
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