MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

Nuclear Physics

Follow - Up Units

PHYS40421 - Nuclear Structure and Exotic Nuclei

To provide a basic knowledge of the physics of atomic nuclei, models of the structure of the nucleus and basic mechanisms of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates

On completion successful students should be able to:

1.  Basic Concepts in Nuclear Physics:

Brief resumé

2.  Sizes and Shapes of Nuclei:

Measurements of nuclear mass and charge radii:  electron scattering, muonic atoms.  Electromagnetic moments: hyperfine structure.  Nuclear deformation.

3.  Mechanisms of Nuclear Decay:

α decay:  Barrier penetration, Geiger-Nuttall systematics, relationship to proton/ heavy-fragment emission.

β decay:  Fermi theory, selection rules.

γ decay of excited states:  multipolarity, selection rules and decay probabilities.

4.  Excited States of Nuclei:

Description of the properties of excited states using the nuclear shell model. Collective behaviour:  rotational and vibrational states.

5.  Nuclear Reactions:

Cross section.  Simple features of nuclear reactions.  Direct and compound-nuclear mechanisms.  Fusion and fission.
 

Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.

Krane, K.S. Introductory Nuclear Physics (Wiley)

Supplementary reading:

Hodgson, P.E., Gadioli, E. & Gadioli Erba, E. Introductory Nuclear Physics, (OUP)

Martin, B.R. Nuclear and Particle Physics; an Introduction (Wiley)

Bertulani, C. Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell (Princeton University Press)