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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for textbooks on nuclear physics suitable for an undergraduate student with limited quantum mechanics experience. The scope includes suggestions for both introductory and more comprehensive texts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Narmerguy, seeks textbook recommendations for learning nuclear physics due to the absence of a course at their university.
  • Another participant, Thomas, suggests D.J. Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" as a foundational text for quantum mechanics, which is recommended for understanding nuclear physics.
  • Thomas also lists "An Introduction to the Physics of Nuclei and Particles" by R.A. Dunlap and "Atoms, Molecules and Photons" by W. Demtröder as potential nuclear physics textbooks used at his university.
  • A participant recommends "Introductory Nuclear Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane, describing it as essential for nuclear physicists and engineers.
  • Another participant agrees with the recommendation of Krane's book but notes it is an introductory text and suggests "Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell" by Bertulani as a complementary resource.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of "Introductory Nuclear Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane, but there are differing opinions on the comprehensiveness of the text and additional recommendations, indicating multiple competing views on the best resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of prior quantum mechanics knowledge, which may affect the suitability of certain texts for Narmerguy's background.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students interested in self-studying nuclear physics, particularly those with limited prior knowledge in quantum mechanics.

narmerguy
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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 quantum experience if this affects anyone's recommendation.

-Narmerguy
 
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Hi narmerguy,

Quantum is recommended. My university, as well as many others, uses D.J. Griffiths book: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.

The books for nuclear physics used at my university are:
An introduction to the physics of nuclei and particles, R.A. Dunlap
Atoms, Molecules and Photons, W. Demtröder

I haven't done this course yet, but the people I know who did, made me believe you could use these books.

Greetings,
Thomas
 
Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane

It is the bible of any nuclear physicist or nuclear engineer.
 
crazyisraelie said:
Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane

It is the bible of any nuclear physicist or nuclear engineer.

I would also recommend Krane. But it is merely an introductory text, far from comprehensive. Another nice introduction book is "Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell" by Bertulani. Krane and Bertulani would be nice companion books.
 

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