An Introduction to Nuclear Physics

A clear and concise introduction to nuclear physics suitable for a core undergraduate physics course.

W. N. Cottingham (Author), D. A. Greenwood (Author)

9780521657334, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 February 2001

288 pages, 56 b/w illus. 11 tables
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.392 kg

'This clear and concise introduction to nuclear physics provide an excellent basis for a 'core' undergraduate course in this area.' Physics Courier

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Particle & high-energy physics [PHP], Nuclear physics [PHN]