The lecture on nuclear reactions is presented in two parts. Nuclear reaction notation is introduced. The role of energetics in nuclear reactions is discussed and evaluated, including Q value, reaction barriers, and threshold energy. Center of mass and laboratory frames are discussed. The different processes involved in the formation of isotopes is provided including photonuclear processes. Reaction energetics, mechanisms and types are described. Nuclear reaction cross sections are described, with a presentation on values and limits given. This includes role of angular momentum in cross section values. The stellar production of elements is presented in terms of nuclear reactions. These provide the basis for understanding the formation of isotopes in stars.
Just finished both parts of the lecture. The last portion on stellar nucleosynthesis was really cool, especially the r-process as it relates to supernovae. I had previously learned about how some of the heaviest elements were created through nova explosions, but never went into very much detail on the nuclear reactions that drive that process and those extreme neutron absorption rates.
ReplyDeleteso far this has been the most interesting of lectures. How the elements were made, methods of reactions, and now how a cross section is larger than the geo area. The de Broglie wavelength and coulombic barrier make sense, however, the sum of the j values and angular momentum is still elusive.
ReplyDeleteI was lost at the beginning during the discussion of center of mass and laboratory frame. Would it be possible to provide more explanation on what each represents and the difference between them?
ReplyDeleteI will include this in the discussion on Friday morning
DeleteI watched both lectures. The future lecture was pretty straight forward. I had to watch the second half a couple time to fully understand what was going on. After I did that it got much more interesting. I hope we can go into some more depth on those topics like heavy ion reactions and photonuclear rections
ReplyDeleteI meant first not future
DeleteThis lecture was very straight forward for me, and I found the nucleosynthesis portion to be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis lecture was really cool! Stellar nucleosynthesis is something that I was always interested in.
ReplyDeleteLiked this lecture as well. would like to go over p and r in lecture process they seem cool
ReplyDeleteWe will review the p and r process on Friday.
DeleteI finished listening to this lecture last night. I thought the heavy ion reactions section was interesting.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment
ReplyDeleteParts 1 and 2 were interesting lectures I really enjoyed the stellar nucleosynthesis portion of it
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy the nuclear reactions responsible for the formation of elements.
ReplyDelete