Summer 2015: Lecture 9 Nuclear Reactions

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.

Summer 2015: Quiz 2 Beta Decay, Gamma Decay, Fission, and Nuclear Models

Quiz 2 is posted.  The quiz covers:

Lecture 5:  Beta Decay

Lecture 6:  Gamma Decay

Lecture 7:  Fission

Lecture 8:  Nuclear Models

Use lecture notes, textbooks, Chart of the Nuclides, Table of the Isotopes, and web pages.   Show your work or reference and send in as a separate document.  Quiz 2 is assigned on 26-Jun-15. The 1st due date is 1-Jul-15.  The 2nd submission date 6-Jul-15.  Please post any questions to the blog.

Summer 2015: Lecture 8 Nuclear Force and Nuclear Models

This lecture provides information on nuclear force and nuclear models. The strong force is introduced through isospin. A comparison of exchange particles is provided. The use of mirror nuclei to examine the strong force is presented. An overview of nuclear potentials is provided and used as a basis of the shell model. States of the shell model and their relationship to magic numbers are discussed. Use of the shell model is determine nuclide spin and parity is presented. From the shell model the unpaired nucleon is used to assess overall nuclear spin. Examples are provided for nuclei with one or two unpaired nucleons. Nordheim rules are used to evaluation spin and parity with odd-odd nuclei. The relationship between spin and parity with nuclear deformation is introduced with Nilsson diagrams. Additional information on Nilsson diagrams can be found in the Table of the Isotopes. An introduction of the Fermi model for energetic nuclei is given. 

Summer 2015: Lecture 7 Fission

A general overview of nuclear fission is presented. The probability of fission is described based on developed models including the liquid drop model and shell corrections. Discussion on spontaneous fission and fissioning isomers is given. The transition nucleus and fission product distributions are discussed. The total kinetic energy, mass distribution, and charge distribution during fission are presented. Changes in fission product distribution with parent properties are introduced. Delayed neutrons from fission and their role in reactors are given. Proton induced fission is introduced.

Summer 2015: Lecture 6 Gamma Decay

Gamma decay is described in this lecture. The energetics involved in gamma decay are provided. Decay types in gamma transitions are explained, inclusion those that do not occur by photon emission. Transition probabilities and internal conversions inherent to gamma decay are covered. Links to find transition probabilities are provided. Electronic and magnetic multiple transitions are discussed. Angular correlations in gamma decay are described. The use of gamma decay in Moessbauer spectroscopy is presented.

Summer 2015: Lecture 5 Beta Decay

Beta decay is presented in this lecture. The neutrino hypothesis and its relationship with beta decay is discussed. A review of Q value calculations for beta decay is provided. The importance of spin and parity, and how it can be used to assess beta decay, is discussed. Modeling beta decay through the weak force is provided.. The impact of Coulomb interactions on positron and electron spectral shape is presented. The use of Kurie plots in understanding beta decay is introduced. Selection rules in beta decay and beta transitions are explained. Calculating logft and its relation to spin and parity are presented. Double beta decay is discussed. 

Summer 2015: Quiz 1

Quiz 1 is posted.  It is assigned for 19 June 2014. The first deadline is 24-Jun-15. There will be a second deadline for submission of corrected questions on 29-Jun-15.  Please post any and all questions related to Quiz 1 to the blog. 

This first celebration of learning covers:

Lecture 1:  Introduction, Chart of the Nuclides

Lecture 2:  Nuclear Properties

Lecture 3:  Decay Kinetics

Lecture 4:  Alpha Decay 

Summer 2015: Lecture 4 Alpha decay

This lecture discusses alpha decay in radionuclides.  Theories on alpha decay are presented. Systematics and energetics involved in alpha decay are presented.  The correlation between Q value and decay energy is described.  The Geiger Nuttall relationship is provided, described, and utilized in a model for alpha decay. Tunneling is also exploited to described alpha decay, coupling energy and half-life.  Gamow calculations are shown to reflect the Geiger Nuttall relationship. Hindered alpha decay is discussed. Hindered alpha decay is employed to described nuclear properties. Hinderance factors are described, along with how they are calculated and where they can be found. Proton and other charged particle emission are presented.

Summer 2015: Lecture 3 Decay Kinetics

This lecture covers the fundamental equations that describe the decay of radionuclides; covered in two parts. Basic equations and their utility are presented. The implications on error from counting is provided. Equations for mixtures, equilibrium, and branching of radionuclides are covered. The use of a program to solve the Bateman equation is presented.  The program is ERC Nuclide. The use of cross sections in determining production rates are covered. Saturation in isotope production due to the decay of the daughter is described. Discussion of natural radiation and dating are given. Examples are provided using the equations under a host of conditions. These include examples for dating from ²³⁸U, ¹⁴C, and the Oklo reactor. 

Summer 2015: Lecture 2 Nuclear Properties

A discussion on systematics of nuclear properties is presented. Mass, mass excess, and mass distribution within the nucleus is presented. The liquid drop model is described, with the nuclear parameters discussed. Trends related to magic numbers are introduced. Mass excess data are used to calculate energies in decays. Equations for determining nuclear radii are provided. Models that are used to describe the stability of nuclei are introduced. Nuclear shapes and structures are introduced. Spin, parity, and magnetic properties of the nucleus are discussed. 

Summer 2015: Lecture 1. Introduction and using the chart of the nuclides

The class outcomes, expectations, and grading are explained.  Resources for the course are provided, including the chart of the nuclides and links to the table of the isotopes, programs, and databases. The laboratory courses and research expectations are introduced.  A history of radioelement discovery and radiation research is presented. The Chart of the Nuclides is discussed and used. Atomic properties, nuclear nomenclature, X-rays, types of decays and physical forces are introduced. 

Summer 2015: Lecture 0 Using the online lectures

Using the online lecture format is presented. The lectures are available as notes without audio or animation, PowerPoint audio and animation, AVI video, and MOV video. AVI is a Microsoft video format and MOV is used with QuickTime. The use of multiple formats should permit viewing of lectures on a host of platforms.  An introduction of the PDF quizzes is also provided.  These quizzes are to be submitted at the end of each lecture.