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Semester 2

Nuclear Physics (PHYS11041)

Course Website

Course material will be made available in Learn

Subject

Physics and Astronomy

College

SCE

Credits

10

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

The course will build on the Subatomic Physics course by further exploring the fundamentals of nuclear matter as well as considering some of the most important applications of nuclear physics. Topics to be studied will include decay modes, nuclear reactions, and interactions between radiation and matter. The lecture course will be integrated with problem solving classes.

Course Description

Alpha decay:Energetics. Tunneling effect and probability. Geiger-Nuttall plot. Transition rates and selection rules.Beta decay:Electron and positron spectra. (Neutrino mass). Kurie plot. Fermi theory of beta decay. Fermi and Gamow-Teller interactions. Transition rates and selection rules. Electron capture. Neutrinos. Parity violation in beta decay.Gamma decay:Energetics. Weisskopf units. Transition rates and selection rules. Angular distribution measurements. Internal conversion.Nuclear reactions:Nomenclature and general features. Conservation laws. Reference frames and transformation laws. Cross section. Energy spectra. Angular distributions. Elastic scattering. Direct reactions. Compound nucleus reactions. (Heavy-ion reactions).Nuclear physics applications:Sources of radiation and their interaction with matter: charged particles, gamma rays, neutrons. Bethe-Bloch formula. Bragg curve. Particle range. Photo-electric effect, Compton scattering, pair production. Neutron scattering and moderation. Radiation detection and measurement. Examples of practical applications.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 100%, Coursework 0%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Degree Examination, 100%

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