Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (NPA | SPA5302)

Year: 2 | Semester: A | Level: 5 | Credits: 15

Course organiser: Dr Chris Clarkson | Course deputy: Dr Eram Rizvi

Synopsis:

WELCOME TO THE NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS (SPA5302) HOME PAGE This is an introductory course on nuclear physics, with applications in astrophysics. We will undertake an investigation into the makeup of the nucleus, and build models to capture the key features of different nuclei. We will study how nuclei spontaneously decay in different ways, and we will investigate how nuclei interact in the processes of fission and fusion - the key processes in nuclear bombs and reactors. We will then examine nuclear reactions in stars in different periods of their lifetime, and finish with a discussion of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, where the first light elements are formed in the first seconds of the big bang.

Aims:

1) Introduction to the nucleus a) Basic nuclear properties 2) Nuclear models a) Distribution of nucleons b) Binding Energy c)Nuclear force d) Semi-empirical mass formula e) Shell model 3) Radioactive Decay and Nuclear Instability a) Alpha decay b) Beta decay c) Gamma decay d) Other decay channels 4) Nuclear Reactions a) Scattering b) Fission c) Fusion d) Nuclear bombs and reactors 5) Nuclear physics in the universe a) Fusion in the sun b) Stellar evolution c) Supernovae d) The fate of stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes e) The origin of the elements - Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Recommended books:

Introductory Nuclear Physics, Wiley, 1987
by Kenneth S. Krane
978-0471805533

Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications (Manchester Physics Series) 2001
by John Lilley
978-0471979364

Nuclear and Particle Physics (Oxford Science Publications)  1991
by W. S. C. Williams
978-0198520467

And a more advanced book:
Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction  2009
by Brian R. Martin
978-0470742754

For the astrophysics parts, this advanced book might be useful
An Introduction to Nuclear Astrophysics 
by Richard N. Boyd
978-0226069715