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.