FYSS3300 Nuclear Physics (8 cr)
Description
Liquid drop model of the nucleus
Nuclear shell model and single-particle states
Deformed nuclei
Vibrational nuclei
Radioactivity: alpha decay, beta decay and electromagnetic transitions
Nuclear reactions
Interaction of radiation with matter
Nuclear fission and operation of a nuclear power plant
Principles of different particle accelerators
Basics of nuclear astrophysics
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
use the semi-empirical mass formula and experimental atomic masses to calculate binding energies and separation energies
relate the terms of the semi-empirical mass formula to properties of the nucleon-nucleon interaction and the binding of nucleons in nuclei
identify a variety of experimental observables which indicate the need for a nuclear shell model
use the shell model to calculate the spin and parity of the nuclear ground state as well as to understand simple single-particle excitations and structure
use rotational and vibrational models of nuclei
use the radioactive decay law and apply it to real-world scenarios of radioactivity
use Q value systematics in beta decay in order to calculate log-ft values and identify the different transitions and how they can relate to the nuclear shell model
make relations between models of the alpha decay process and experimental alpha decay data
make calculations of electromagnetic transition rates using a simple model, compare the results to experimental data
calculate reaction rates in experiments given target thicknesses, cross sections and primary beam intensities
use the liquid drop model to describe the nuclear fission process
list the important ingredients of a nuclear reactor and calculate different parameters of operational reactors
describe how different particle accelerators work
understand the principle of astrophysical nucleosynthesis
Description of prerequisites
A solid understanding of modern physics and basic quantum mechanics
Courses FYSA2001 Modern physics (part A), FYSA2002 Modern physics (part B), FYSA2031 Quantum mechanics (part A) and FYSA2032 Quantum mechanics (part B), are recommended.
Mathematical prerequisites: first order differential equations used for problems related to radioactive decay
Study materials
Literature
- K.S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics
Completion methods
Method 1
Method 2
Teaching (8 cr)
Teaching
9/6–11/25/2022 Lectures
1/20–1/20/2023 Exam
3/10–3/10/2023 Exam
Independent study (8 cr)
Self-study, possible exercises and examination.