Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- By Usman Naseer
- 0
Course Description
Let us begin with the atom itself. An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons that occupy discrete energy levels, often called shells or orbitals. The nucleus contains protons, which carry a positive charge, and neutrons, which are neutral. Together, protons and neutrons are called nucleons. The atomic number, written as Z, defines the element because it tells you how many protons are present. The mass number, written as A, is the total number of protons plus neutrons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element-same Z-but with different numbers of neutrons, and therefore different mass numbers. In industrial nuclear systems, uranium-235 and uranium-238 are the two most important isotopes, and they behave very differently despite being chemically identical. Uranium-235 is fissile, meaning it can sustain a chain reaction, while uranium-238 is fissionable only with fast neutrons and mainly acts as a fertile material that breeds plutonium.
What you'll learn in this course?
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Explain the fundamental structure of the atom and the nucleus in the context of nuclear systems.
Differentiate between key nuclear reactions such as fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
Apply basic nuclear physics concepts to industrial engineering problems like reactor criticality and radiation shielding.
Calculate nuclear binding energy, decay constants, and half-lives using given formulas.
Describe neutron interactions and their importance in nuclear reactor control and safety.
Identify the roles of common nuclear fuels, moderators, and coolants in nuclear systems.
Recognize the biological effects of ionizing radiation and principles of radiation protection.
Solve practical problems involving activity, decay chains, and neutron flux in an industrial setting.
An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons in defined energy levels.
Prerequisites
Basic engineering knowledge and familiarity with nuclear systems, radiation safety, and engineering units
Course Curriculum
- Introduction to Atomic Structure
- The Nucleus and Nuclear Forces
- Nuclear Size, Shape, and Density
- Overview of Radioactive Decay
- Alpha Decay
- Beta Decay (β■ and β■)
- Gamma Decay and Internal Conversion
- Decay Chains and Secular Equilibrium
- Half-Life and Mean Life
- Activity, Specific Activity, and Decay Heat
- Atomic Mass and Mass Defect
- Binding Energy and Nuclear Stability
- Chart of Nuclides and Stability
- Nuclear Binding Energy Calculation Example
- Nuclear Fission Process
- Nuclear Fusion Process
- Nuclear Physics for Fusion Engineering
- Neutron Classification and Properties
- Neutron Interactions: Scattering and Absorption
- Neutron Cross-Section Concept
- Neutron Moderation and Thermalization
- Neutron Diffusion and Criticality
- Nuclear Reactor Fuel Cycle
- Nuclear Power Plant Components: Core Physics
- Control Rods and Reactivity Management
- Decay Heat Removal and Safety
- Reactor Kinetics: Point Kinetics Equations
- Reactivity Feedback Mechanisms
- Emerging Technologies: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Emerging Technologies: Accelerator-Driven Systems (ADS)
- Radiation Interaction with Matter: Charged Particles
- Photon (Gamma and X-ray) Interactions
- Neutron Shielding Principles
- Radiation Damage to Materials
- Shielding Design for Industrial Nuclear Systems
- Computational Tools in Nuclear Physics for Engineers
- Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
- Principles of Radiation Protection
- Dosimetry and Monitoring
- Industrial Applications of Nuclear Physics: Non-Destructive
- Industrial Gauging and Process Control
- Well Logging in Petroleum Industry
- Nuclear Medicine Isotope Production
- Radiation Sterilization and Food Irradiation
- Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)
- Nuclear Safeguards and Non-Proliferation
- Transport of Radioactive Materials
- Waste Classification and Disposal
- Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities
- Nuclear Accident Analysis
- Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Systems
- Human Factors in Nuclear Operations
- Case Study: Chernobyl Accident Analysis
- Case Study: Fukushima Daiichi Accident
- Summary of Key Takeaways
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Usman Naseer
4 
Course includes:
Levelintermediate
Duration240 minutes
Lessons56
Quizzes0
CertificationsYes
Enrolled0