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P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
PHGN 422: Nuclear PhysicsLecture 1: General Introduction to Nuclear Physics
Prof. Kyle Leach
August 24, 2021
Slide 1
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Course Goals and Objectives
• Introduction to subatomic physics focused on the atomic nucleus.• Characterization and systematics of nuclear states, symmetries,
and shapes.• Introduction to the electromagnetic, weak, and strong
interactions through nuclear decay.
• Providing the student with a complete backgroundunderstanding of nuclear physics for future applications
http://subatomic.mines.edu
http://nuclear.mines.edu
http://electroweak.mines.edu
Slide 2 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Course Expectations
• Students should have a basic understanding of modern physics,quantum mechanics, and their applications
Source: xkcd.com
Slide 3 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Course Expectations• Do your best to keep up with the readings and lecture review, the
textbooks are there to help...and are an excellent resource.
• Recommended TextbookIntroductory Nuclear Physics,1st EditionKenneth S. Krane
• Supplemental TextbookBasic Ideas and Concepts inNuclear Physics, 3rd EditionKris Heyde
Slide 4 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Course Information
• Office: CoorsTek 310
• email: [email protected]• Nearly all of my research is performed at accelerator laboratories
outside of the United States, so I’m not always here. Email is thebest way to get a hold of me.
• Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 9-10am.• Still best to email me to let me know you’ll be coming to office
hours on a given week if you know in advance.
• Course Website: inside.mines.edu/∼kleach/PHGN422• The syllabus, lecture slides, assignments, and supplemental
material will be uploaded to this page.• You’ll still need to take notes, problems and work done on the
chalkboard are the student’s responsibility
Slide 5 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Course Evaluation
• Assignments - 40%• Four assignments will be given in total, each worth 10% of the final
grade• They will be designed to comprehensively cover all material
presented in the course
• Midterm Examination - 30%• One midterm exam covering the first portion of the course
• Final Presentation - 30%• Students will be required to make a research presentation (10
minutes + 2 minutes question) on a nuclear physics topic of theirchoice
• Topics will be chosen after the midterm• Final two weeks of the course will in-class be presentations
Slide 6 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
So...Where Do We Start?
We need a point of reference to start discussing nuclear physics.
Slide 7 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Distance and Energy Scales in Physics
Source: Department of Physics, Princeton University
Slide 8 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Distance and Energy Scales in Physics
Slide 9 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atom
Atom is a neutral system
Electrons
Nucleus
∼ 10−10 m = A
Atomic excitations:∼ 1-105 eV
Caused by transitionsbetween electronic states
Slide 10 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Nucleus
++
+
+Proton (π)
Neutron (ν)
∼ 10−15 m = fm
Nuclear excitations:∼ 105-108 eV
Caused by transitionsbetween nuclear states
Interactions can be thought of aseither microscopic or collective
Slide 11 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Inside the Atomic Nucleus
+
Proton
Positive Charge
Mass= 938.27 MeV/c2Neutron
Neutral Charge
Mass= 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 12 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:
• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:
• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:
• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:
• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:
• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:
• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:
• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:
• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:
• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Protons and Neutrons
In fact, protons and neutrons are so similar, they can be classified asthe same object; The Nucleon
Nucleons are (of course) quantum mechanical objects:
• They are spin 1/2 Fermions
• Radius: r ∼ 1× 10−15 m, or 1 fm (fermi)
• Charge:• p→ +e• n→ 0
• Mass:• p→ 938.27 MeV/c2
• n→ 939.56 MeV/c2
We will discuss the nuclear radius in the next lecture, but for now let’slook at some properties of the nucleon.
Slide 13 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Nucleons and Isospin
+
Proton Neutron
Slide 14 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Nucleons and Isospin
Isospin: t = 1/2
Nucleon|p〉 = | − 1/2〉
Nucleon|n〉 = |+ 1/2〉
Slide 14 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Structure of Nucleons
u u
d
u d
d
Protonu,u,d
< 10−18 m
Neutronu,d,d
Particle excitations:> 109 eV
“Up” (u)m = 2.4 MeV/c2
q = +2/3
“Down” (d)m = 4.8 MeV/c2
q = −1/3
Slide 15 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Elementary Particles of the Standard Model
Slide 16 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The “History” of Subatomic Physics
Slide 17 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Back to the Atomic Nucleus
++
+
+Proton (π)
Neutron (ν)
∼ 10−15 m = fm
Nuclear excitations:∼ 105-108 eV
Caused by transitionsbetween nuclear states
Interactions can be thought of aseither microscopic or collective
Slide 18 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Terminology
Nuclei are typically referred to by the number of nucleons (protonsand neutrons) that they contain:
A = N + Z
The number of protons defines the chemical symbol, and is alsoreferred to as the nuclear charge
Slide 19 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Terminology
Nuclei are typically referred to by the number of nucleons (protonsand neutrons) that they contain:
A = N + Z
• Number of Neutrons
The number of protons defines the chemical symbol, and is alsoreferred to as the nuclear charge
Slide 19 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Terminology
Nuclei are typically referred to by the number of nucleons (protonsand neutrons) that they contain:
A = N + Z
• Number of Neutrons • Number of Protons
The number of protons defines the chemical symbol, and is alsoreferred to as the nuclear charge
Slide 19 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Typical Notation
AZXN
• A is the number of nucleons, or the nuclear mass
• X is the chemical symbol, as used in the periodic table, and isdefined by the nuclear charge Z
• Therefore, N and Z are often omitted, since all of the relevantinformation can be defined by A and X
Slide 20 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Typical Notation
AZXN
• A is the number of nucleons, or the nuclear mass
• X is the chemical symbol, as used in the periodic table, and isdefined by the nuclear charge Z
• Therefore, N and Z are often omitted, since all of the relevantinformation can be defined by A and X
Slide 20 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Typical Notation
AZXN
• A is the number of nucleons, or the nuclear mass
• X is the chemical symbol, as used in the periodic table, and isdefined by the nuclear charge Z
• Therefore, N and Z are often omitted, since all of the relevantinformation can be defined by A and X
Slide 20 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Typical Notation
AZXN
• A is the number of nucleons, or the nuclear mass
• X is the chemical symbol, as used in the periodic table, and isdefined by the nuclear charge Z
• Therefore, N and Z are often omitted, since all of the relevantinformation can be defined by A and X
AXSlide 20 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)• And finally, into more standard notation:
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?
• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)• And finally, into more standard notation:
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
ExampleWhat is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32
(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?
• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)• And finally, into more standard notation:
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?
• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)• And finally, into more standard notation:
30Zn
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?
• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)
• And finally, into more standard notation:
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?
• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)
• And finally, into more standard notation:
6230Zn32
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)
• And finally, into more standard notation:
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Example
What is the notation for a nucleus with Z = 30 and N = 32(ie. 30 protons and 32 neutrons)?
• What is the chemical symbol for an element with Z = 30?• Now include the number of neutrons (recall: A = N + Z)
• And finally, into more standard notation:
62ZnSo, we end with the mass-62 zinc nucleus. As most nuclear
physicists are a bit cavalier with the term “mass”, so let’s briefly clarifywhat we mean.
Slide 21 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
• Unit Conversions:
• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
† Note: this is not, in general, true for any other nucleus. The nuclear (atomic) mass isnot simply the sum of its constituent nucleons. One must account for the binding
energy to obtain the nuclear (atomic) mass. This will be discussed next week.
• Unit Conversions:
• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
† Note: this is not, in general, true for any other nucleus. The nuclear (atomic) mass isnot simply the sum of its constituent nucleons. One must account for the binding
energy to obtain the nuclear (atomic) mass. This will be discussed next week.
• Unit Conversions:• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)
• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
† Note: this is not, in general, true for any other nucleus. The nuclear (atomic) mass isnot simply the sum of its constituent nucleons. One must account for the binding
energy to obtain the nuclear (atomic) mass. This will be discussed next week.
• Unit Conversions:• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
† Note: this is not, in general, true for any other nucleus. The nuclear (atomic) mass isnot simply the sum of its constituent nucleons. One must account for the binding
energy to obtain the nuclear (atomic) mass. This will be discussed next week.
• Unit Conversions:• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg
• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u. or u)
The atomic mass unit is defined by the mass of 126 C6, such that its
mass in a.m.u is exactly 12.
1 u =1
12· m(12C) (1)
† Note: this is not, in general, true for any other nucleus. The nuclear (atomic) mass isnot simply the sum of its constituent nucleons. One must account for the binding
energy to obtain the nuclear (atomic) mass. This will be discussed next week.
• Unit Conversions:• 1 u = 931.494 MeV/c2 (most common for our purposes)• Recall: E = mc2
• mp = 938.27 MeV/c2
• mn = 939.56 MeV/c2
• me = 0.511 MeV/c2
• 1 u = 1.660× 10−27 kg• Also referred to as a Dalton (although very rarely...). 1 u = 1 Da
Slide 22 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
How We Organize Nuclei
We need to find a convenient way to classify nuclei with differentnumbers of protons and neutrons.
• We know that atomic systems are organized by the number ofelectrons (and their orbital shells) in the Periodic Table.
• This model will not work for nuclei since the classificationcharacteristics are very different. Also, there are severalthousand nuclei that need to be classified.†Aside: There are roughly 3000 known (experimentally observed) nuclei in the universe. Recent predictions suggest that there
may be more than 7000 bound nuclear systems that are able to exist....
• Typically, these classifications are done by neutron and protonnumber, and nuclei are arranged in what we call:
The Nuclear Chart or The Nuclear Landscape.
Slide 23 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
How We Organize Nuclei
We need to find a convenient way to classify nuclei with differentnumbers of protons and neutrons.
• We know that atomic systems are organized by the number ofelectrons (and their orbital shells) in the Periodic Table.
• This model will not work for nuclei since the classificationcharacteristics are very different. Also, there are severalthousand nuclei that need to be classified.†Aside: There are roughly 3000 known (experimentally observed) nuclei in the universe. Recent predictions suggest that there
may be more than 7000 bound nuclear systems that are able to exist....
• Typically, these classifications are done by neutron and protonnumber, and nuclei are arranged in what we call:
The Nuclear Chart or The Nuclear Landscape.
Slide 23 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
How We Organize Nuclei
We need to find a convenient way to classify nuclei with differentnumbers of protons and neutrons.
• We know that atomic systems are organized by the number ofelectrons (and their orbital shells) in the Periodic Table.
• This model will not work for nuclei since the classificationcharacteristics are very different. Also, there are severalthousand nuclei that need to be classified.†Aside: There are roughly 3000 known (experimentally observed) nuclei in the universe. Recent predictions suggest that there
may be more than 7000 bound nuclear systems that are able to exist....
• Typically, these classifications are done by neutron and protonnumber, and nuclei are arranged in what we call:
The Nuclear Chart or The Nuclear Landscape.
†J. Erler et al., Nature 486, 509512 (2012)
Slide 23 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
How We Organize Nuclei
We need to find a convenient way to classify nuclei with differentnumbers of protons and neutrons.
• We know that atomic systems are organized by the number ofelectrons (and their orbital shells) in the Periodic Table.
• This model will not work for nuclei since the classificationcharacteristics are very different. Also, there are severalthousand nuclei that need to be classified.†Aside: There are roughly 3000 known (experimentally observed) nuclei in the universe. Recent predictions suggest that there
may be more than 7000 bound nuclear systems that are able to exist....
• Typically, these classifications are done by neutron and protonnumber, and nuclei are arranged in what we call:
The Nuclear Chart or The Nuclear Landscape.†J. Erler et al., Nature 486, 509512 (2012)
Slide 23 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Nuclear Chart
Phil Walker, New Scientist Magazine, October 2011
Slide 24 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Navigating the Nuclear Chart• Stable Nucleus - A nuclear system that does not undergo
radioactive decay (ie. it is energetically unfavourable). Thisregion of the nuclear chart is often called the Valley of Stability orLine of Stability.
• Radioactive Nucleus (or unstable) - A nucleus that isspontaneously able to decrease its total energy by emmittingionizing radiation. This may result in a change in the totalnumber of protons and neutrons.
• Neutron-Rich Nucleus - A nucleus that has an excess ofneutrons relative to the stable isotope for a given Z. This is to theright of the valley of stability.
• Neutron-Deficient Nucleus (also: Proton-Rich) - A nucleus thathas an excess of protons relative to the stable isotope for a givenZ. This is to the left of the valley of stability.
• The Driplines (proton and neutron) - The limits of the nuclearchart where bound nuclei can no longer exist. On the far left isthe proton dripline and the far right is the neutron dripline.
Slide 25 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Navigating the Nuclear Chart• Stable Nucleus - A nuclear system that does not undergo
radioactive decay (ie. it is energetically unfavourable). Thisregion of the nuclear chart is often called the Valley of Stability orLine of Stability.
• Radioactive Nucleus (or unstable) - A nucleus that isspontaneously able to decrease its total energy by emmittingionizing radiation. This may result in a change in the totalnumber of protons and neutrons.
• Neutron-Rich Nucleus - A nucleus that has an excess ofneutrons relative to the stable isotope for a given Z. This is to theright of the valley of stability.
• Neutron-Deficient Nucleus (also: Proton-Rich) - A nucleus thathas an excess of protons relative to the stable isotope for a givenZ. This is to the left of the valley of stability.
• The Driplines (proton and neutron) - The limits of the nuclearchart where bound nuclei can no longer exist. On the far left isthe proton dripline and the far right is the neutron dripline.
Slide 25 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Navigating the Nuclear Chart• Stable Nucleus - A nuclear system that does not undergo
radioactive decay (ie. it is energetically unfavourable). Thisregion of the nuclear chart is often called the Valley of Stability orLine of Stability.
• Radioactive Nucleus (or unstable) - A nucleus that isspontaneously able to decrease its total energy by emmittingionizing radiation. This may result in a change in the totalnumber of protons and neutrons.
• Neutron-Rich Nucleus - A nucleus that has an excess ofneutrons relative to the stable isotope for a given Z. This is to theright of the valley of stability.
• Neutron-Deficient Nucleus (also: Proton-Rich) - A nucleus thathas an excess of protons relative to the stable isotope for a givenZ. This is to the left of the valley of stability.
• The Driplines (proton and neutron) - The limits of the nuclearchart where bound nuclei can no longer exist. On the far left isthe proton dripline and the far right is the neutron dripline.
Slide 25 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Navigating the Nuclear Chart• Stable Nucleus - A nuclear system that does not undergo
radioactive decay (ie. it is energetically unfavourable). Thisregion of the nuclear chart is often called the Valley of Stability orLine of Stability.
• Radioactive Nucleus (or unstable) - A nucleus that isspontaneously able to decrease its total energy by emmittingionizing radiation. This may result in a change in the totalnumber of protons and neutrons.
• Neutron-Rich Nucleus - A nucleus that has an excess ofneutrons relative to the stable isotope for a given Z. This is to theright of the valley of stability.
• Neutron-Deficient Nucleus (also: Proton-Rich) - A nucleus thathas an excess of protons relative to the stable isotope for a givenZ. This is to the left of the valley of stability.
• The Driplines (proton and neutron) - The limits of the nuclearchart where bound nuclei can no longer exist. On the far left isthe proton dripline and the far right is the neutron dripline.
Slide 25 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Navigating the Nuclear Chart• Stable Nucleus - A nuclear system that does not undergo
radioactive decay (ie. it is energetically unfavourable). Thisregion of the nuclear chart is often called the Valley of Stability orLine of Stability.
• Radioactive Nucleus (or unstable) - A nucleus that isspontaneously able to decrease its total energy by emmittingionizing radiation. This may result in a change in the totalnumber of protons and neutrons.
• Neutron-Rich Nucleus - A nucleus that has an excess ofneutrons relative to the stable isotope for a given Z. This is to theright of the valley of stability.
• Neutron-Deficient Nucleus (also: Proton-Rich) - A nucleus thathas an excess of protons relative to the stable isotope for a givenZ. This is to the left of the valley of stability.
• The Driplines (proton and neutron) - The limits of the nuclearchart where bound nuclei can no longer exist. On the far left isthe proton dripline and the far right is the neutron dripline.
Slide 25 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:
Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:
Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:
Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:
Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:
Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:
Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:
Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:
Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:
Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Isotopes, Isotones, and Isobars
• Isotope:Nuclei with the same number of protons (Z), but a different numberof neutrons (N) and a different mass (A)
• Isotone:Nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N), but a differentnumber of protons (Z) and a different mass (A)
• Isobar:Nuclei with the same number of nucleons (mass? not really...) (A),but a different number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N)
Slide 26 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
The Nuclear Chart
Phil Walker, New Scientist Magazine, October 2011
Slide 27 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Interesting Features of the Nuclear Chart
The nuclear chart can reveal some interesting effects based on whatwe (as a community) have observed over several decades. Thefollowing is just a brief taste of what we will explore over the next 16weeks....
Slide 28 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Interesting Features of the Nuclear ChartExample: Energy required to remove two neutrons from a nucleus
Two-neutron separation energies (S2n ), http://www.nndc.bnl.gov
Slide 29 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Interesting Features of the Nuclear ChartExample: Energy required to remove two protons from a nucleus
Two-proton separation energies (S2p ), http://www.nndc.bnl.gov
Slide 30 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Interesting Features of the Nuclear ChartExample: The binding energy per nucleon (ie. BE/A)
Nuclear binding energies (per nucleon) (BE/A), http://www.nndc.bnl.gov
Slide 31 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Interesting Features of the Nuclear ChartExample: Energy released (or required) in α decay
Alpha decay Q value (Qα ), http://www.nndc.bnl.gov
Slide 32 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Applications of Nuclear Physics
Since nuclei close to each other often have similar characteristics, wecan also take a brief look at which regions of the nuclear chart arerelevant for various forms of physics and engineering.
Slide 33 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Nuclear Astrophysics
Source: The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB)
Slide 34 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Nuclear Fission: Energy and Engineering
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov
Slide 35 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics
P H G N 4 2 2 : N U C L E A R P H Y S I C S
Our World for the Next 16 Weeks...
J. Erler et al., Nature 486, 509512 (2012)
Slide 36 — Prof. Kyle Leach — PHGN 422: Nuclear Physics