MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

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This module introduces and develops key concepts and modelling in nuclear physics. Fundamental components such as the nucleons, nuclear sizes and masses (binding energies) are first reviewed and then examined in the context of the “valley of stability”, basic radioactive decay modes and Q-values. Drawing on second-year core material, the Semi-Empirical Mass Formula (SEMF) is then developed. The successes and failures of the SEMF are reviewed with the latter promoting the development of the (independent-particle) shell model, including the existence of nuclear excited states.

These (foundation) models then permit a theoretical examination of the gamma and beta decay processes (including: energetics, transition rates, electron conversion and the Fermi theory of beta decay). The creation of excited states in nuclear reactions is then considered.

Nuclear observables such as nuclear spin, magnetic moment and the observation of rotational and vibrational structures are then reviewed. Through interpreting the deformation observed, the Rainwater model, collective motion and deformed shell models are finally developed. 

Pre-requisite units: second year CORE only

This module provides third year undergraduates with their first introduction to nuclear physics and aims to develop key aspects of nuclear structure, decays and reaction theory. The module provides students with the foundations for the later PHYS30722 Applied Nuclear Physics and Level 4 Nuclear structure, exotic nuclei, forces options. The module satisfies and exceeds current IoP requirements, covering nuclear masses and binding energies, nuclear sizes, radioactive decay, fission and fusion. 

On completion successful students should be able to:

1. Outline the basic constituents of matter and the fundamental forces between them. 
2. Use semi-empirical models to explain the patterns of nuclear masses, sizes and decays. 
3. Apply the independent-particle model to predict key ground-state properties of nuclei. 
4. Describe, explain and categorise the mechanisms behind nuclear decay processes. Evaluate the transition rates for nuclear decay processes. 
5. Describe, categorise and explain the basic properties of excited nuclear states using simple models.

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:

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

B decay:  Fermi theory, selection rules.

Y 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.
 

Two one hour, live in-person lectures per week where the core material will be delivered with examples. The recordings of these lectures will be available on Podcast and linked to the course online page. The lectures are accompanied by printed lecture notes. This is augmented by three set of workshop examples with solutions. Unseen problems will further be released for the example classes, where students will be able to work on them together for three hours over the course of the semester. A Piazza discussion forum is provided where students can ask questions with answers provided by other students and the unit lead. 

Additional assessment in the form of workshop examples, which are weighted 0%. Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.

B. R. Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction, 2nd ed. (Wiley)

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

N. A. Jelley, Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics (CUP)