Introductory Nuclear Physics

Fundamental of Nuclear Physics

PHYM2101 Medical Physics

3 hours One requisite

1 Introductory Remarks to Nuclear Phenomenology - Overview of nuclear physics, its significance in science and technology

2 Properties of Nuclei: Labeling and Masses - Discussion on nuclear notation, magic numbers, isotopes, isotones and isobars, nuclear masses and binding energy concepts

3 Sizes of Nuclei, Nuclear Spins and Dipole Moments - Examination of nuclear sizes, charge radii, nuclear spin, magnetic and electric dipole moments

4 Stability and Instability of Nuclei - Analysis of nuclear stability, decay modes, beta stability line, and neutron-proton ratio

5 Nature of the Nuclear Force - Exploration of the nuclear force characteristics, range, and the Yukawa potential

6 Introductory Remarks to Nuclear Models - Introduction to nuclear models, historical context, and their importance

7 Liquid Drop Model - Detailed study on the macroscopic model of nucleus, liquid drop analogy, surface tension, and semi-empirical mass formula

8 Fermi-Gas Model - Analysis of the microscopic view of nucleons as a Fermi gas, Pauli exclusion principle, and energy states

9 Shell Model: Infinite Square Well - Introduction to quantum mechanical models, potential well theory, quantized energy levels

10 Shell Model: Harmonic Oscillator - Discussion on harmonic oscillator potential in nuclear context, quantization, and its applications in nuclear structure

11 Shell Model: Spin-Orbit Potential - Exploration of spin-orbit coupling, its origin, and implications for nuclear shell structure

12 Predictions of the Shell Model and Collective Model - Comprehensive review of shell model predictions, magic numbers, and introduction to collective excitations in nuclei

13 Nuclear Radiation: Alpha Decay, Barrier Penetration - Overview of alpha decay, concepts of barrier penetration

14 Beta Decay: Lepton Number, Neutrino Mass, The Weak Interaction - In-depth discussion of beta decay processes, conservation of lepton number, neutrino properties, and weak interaction

15 Gamma Decay - Study of gamma decay, electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus, multipolarity, and selection rules

16 Practical Part: / Students will conduct various experiments in the practical part of the course. Each student will perform the experiments, collect data, extract results, and prepare a written report every week

1.1 Mapped to: K1

Identify the fundamental principles and models of nuclear physics.

Teaching Strategy Lectures, readings, and multimedia presentations