An Introduction to Nuclear Physics [Paperback]

A clear and concise introduction to nuclear physics suitable for a core undergraduate physics course.This book provides an excellent basis for a core module in nuclear physics for intermediate university students of physics. It is distinguished by its combination of clarity and conciseness. The book opens by setting nuclear physics in the context of elementary particle physics and goes on to describe many aspects and applications of nuclear physics. This second edition contains several new additional topics. Each chapter ends with a set of problems for which outline solutions are provided.This book provides an excellent basis for a core module in nuclear physics for intermediate university students of physics. It is distinguished by its combination of clarity and conciseness. The book opens by setting nuclear physics in the context of elementary particle physics and goes on to describe many aspects and applications of nuclear physics. This second edition contains several new additional topics. Each chapter ends with a set of problems for which outline solutions are provided.This introduction to nuclear physics provides an excellent basis for a core undergraduate course in this area. The authors show how simple models can provide an understanding of the properties of nuclei, both in their ground and excited states, and of the nature of nuclear reactions. They include chapters on nuclear fission, its application in nuclear power reactors, the role of nuclear physics in energy production and nucleosynthesis in stars. This new edition contains several additional topics: muon-catalyzed fusion, the nuclear and neutrino physics of supernovae, neutrino mass and neutrino oscillations, and the biological effects of radiation. A knowledge of basic quantum mechanics and special relativity is assumed. Each chapter ends with a set of problems accompanied by outline solutions.Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; Constants of nature, conversion factors and nlS)