Nuclear Physics

DEFINITION
 Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the
building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei.
 It includes the study of,
1. The general properties of nucleus.
2. The particles contained in the nucleus.
3. The interaction between these particles.
4. Radio activity and nuclear reactions.
5. Practical applications of nuclear phenomena.
 NUCLEUS
 Every atom contains a
centre, an extremely
dense, positively charged
nucleus.
 The nucleus is made
of protons and
neutrons.
 Protons have positive
electric charge.
 Neutrons have no
 NUCLEUS
MASS NUMBER(A): total number of
nucleon.A=Z(protons)+N(neutrons).

ATOMIC NUMBER(Z): number of

protons.

NEUTRON NUMBER N: number of

neutrons.

RADIUS: r=r0A1/3 ,r0=1.25x10-15 m.

MASS M=AU,u=1.66×10⁻27kg
 -RAY SCATTERING EXPERIMENT

Done by E.Rutherford.

From angular distribution of rescattered  -particles

Rutherford concluded existence of positively charged core
of atom,then called nucleus

The size of the nucleus was much smaller(10-14m) than

 THE NUCLEAR FORCE
 The force that binds together protons and neutrons
inside the nucleus is called the Nuclear Force.
Some characteristics of the nuclear force are:
1.It does not depend on charge.
2.It is very short range.
3.It is much stronger than the electric force.
4.It is saturated force .
5.It favours formation of pairs of nucleons with opposite
spins.
 NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY
 The total rest energy(mass) of the separated nucleons
is greater than the rest energy(mass) of the nucleus.
 Eg:- Deuteron 2H (1 proton + 1 neutron+1 electron)
mp=1.007276u +
mn=1.008665u But
m2H=2.014102 u mp+n=2.016490 u
mp+n-m2H=0.002338u

 The deuteron is 0.002338 u lighter than the sum of

the separate proton and the neutron.
 This is the binding energy and is the energy needed
 BINDING ENERGY PER NUCLEON
 Nuclei with the
largest binding
energy per
nucleon are the Most stable
most stable. Iron 56
 The largest
binding energy
per nucleon is 8.7
MeV, for mass
number A = 56.
 Beyond
bismuth, A =
209, nuclei are
 RADIOACTIVITY
 The Spontaneous emission of radiation by unstable
nuclei to become stable.
 Atain stability by the emission of ,
  particles( 4He)[atomic number decrease by2 & mass
number decrease by 4]
  particles (electrons or positrons)[atomic number
change by 1 & mass number remains same]
  rays (energetic photons)
 HALF LIFE TIME
 The half life means
time required for the
disintegration of half of
the sample.
Different for different
elements.
Applied for the
estimation of age of
fossils(14C-dating).
 NUCLEAR REACTIONS
 A nuclear reaction is a rearrangement of nuclear
components induced by particle bombardment.
1. Fission
2. Fusion
 Nuclear reactions are subject to the following
conservation laws:
3. Charge.
4. Momentum and angular momentum.
5. Energy.
 FISSION
 Splitting of large nucleus to
smaller ones results in the
liberation of energy.
 n + 235U →141Ba + 92Kr +
3n
 In this reaction more than
 Emitted
200MeVneutrons
energy can induce K
addtional
liberated. fusion-chain reaction. r
 Chain reaction is controlled and Ba
is applied in fission reactors.
 Chain reaction left uncontrolled
and is applied in atom bomb.
 FISSION CHAIN REACTION

At each step energy is released !

 NUCLEAR FISSION
REACTOR
 Place where controlled fission chain reaction occurs.

 Liberated energy is used for the production of

electricity.
 PARTS OF THE REACTOR;
1. Fuel-Uranium,Plutonium,Thorium
2. Moderator-Water,Graphite-slow down
neutron.
3. Control rods-Cadmium-absorb neutrons.
NUCLEAR FISSION
REACTOR
 FUSION
 Two light nuclei fuse together to
form a heavier nucleus results in the
liberation of energy.
 2H + 3H →4He + n + 17.6 MeV
 It is the primary source of the
sun’s energy.
Fusion reaction is applied in
hydrogen bomb.
 FISSION & FUSION
FISSIO FUSIO
N N
 FISSION & FUSION
FISSION FUSION
 Splitting a large mass  Joining two low mass
nucleus into two nuclei into a larger mass
medium mass nucleus. nucleus.
 Energy released per  Energy produced per
nucleon is less. nucleon is large.
 Can be controlled.  Can not be
 Heat is not needed. controlled.
 Lot radioactive  Extreme heat is
byproducts. needed.
 No radioactive
byproducts.
 NUCLEAR REACTORS
FISSION REACTOR:
use fission of heavy elements
like Uranium, Plutonium for power.

FUSION REACTOR:
work in progress: ITER
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
(500MW power in 1000second through fusion reaction)
 APPLICATIONS
ARE
 Medical radio-isotopes (imaging & therapy).
 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

 Identification of materials.

 Dating of materials.
 Power generation (fusion and fission).
 Weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
TAU101 Applied physical sciences(2+1)