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22.101

Applied Nuclear Physics

4-0-8 units · Graduate

Provides an accelerated introduction to the basic principles of nuclear physics and its application within nuclear science and engineering. Fundamentals of quantum mechanics, nuclear properties, and nuclear structure. Origins of radioactivity and radioactive decay processes. Development of nuclear reaction theory, including cross sections, energetics, and kinematics. The interactions of photons, electrons, neutrons, and ions with matter, including the use of nuclear data and modeling tools. Basic theory of radiation and particle detection, shielding, and dosimetry. Uses of nuclear physics in energy, medicine, security, and science applications.

Fall 2006

This course explores elements of nuclear physics for engineering students. It covers basic properties of the nucleus and nuclear radiations; quantum mechanical calculations of deuteron bound-state wave function and energy; n-p scattering cross section; transition probability per unit time and barrier transmission probability. It also covers binding energy and nuclear stability; interactions of charged particles, neutrons, and gamma rays with matter; radioactive decays; and energetics and general cross section behavior in nuclear reactions.

Readings

  • Krane, Kenneth S. Introductory Nuclear Physics . New York, NY: Wiley and Sons, 1987, pp. 845. ISBN: 9780471805533.
    Listed reading
  • Meyerhof, Walter E. Elements of Nuclear Physics . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1967, pp. 279. ISBN: 9780070417458.
    Listed reading
  • Evans, Robley D. The Atomic Nucleus . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1982, pp. 972. ISBN: 9780898744149.
    Listed reading
Fall 2003

Topics

  • Basic Facts of Nuclei
  • Interaction, Transition Probability, and Crossection
  • Passage of Ionizing Radiation Through Matter
  • Radioactivity
  • Alpha Decay
  • Beta Decay
  • Radiative Transitions
  • Neutron Cross-Sections and Applications

Readings

  • Marmier, Pierre, and Eric Sheldon. Physics of Nuclei and Particles. Vol. 1. San Diego: Academic Press, 1986. ISBN: 978124731028.
    Listed reading
  • Evans, Robley D. The Atomic Nucleus . Temecula: Textbook Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 9780758184115.
    Listed reading
  • Krane, Kenneth S. Introductory Nuclear Physics . Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1987. ISBN: 9780471805533.
    Listed reading

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and 18.03 G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

Sources