PHYS 511
NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
Catalog Entry
PHYS 511. Nuclear Chemistry
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: CHEM 102 or 103 or PHYS 112 or 222.
Historical development of modern atomic theory; properties of atomic nuclei; generalizations related to atomic nuclei; types of nuclear reactions; mathematics of radioactive decay processes; nuclear counters; biological effects of radiation; applications of nuclear reactions, radio-isotopes and particle accelerators.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course will be as rigorous as the mathematical and scientific backgrounds of the students allow. Clearly, some knowledge of both chemistry and physics would be helpful, but the course is as self-contained as possible. Mathematics at the level of elementary algebra and the simple transcendental functions is assumed. In PHYS 511, it is important that the historical development of the subject be included, that the ideas of modern science be discussed, and that the relation of nuclear science to society and technology be covered. However, for the students to obtain a true understanding of the material, it is crucial that the treatment be as quantitative as possible. For example, the discussion of Rutherford's discovery of the nucleus is not adequately concluded in a class at this level with a qualitative description of the alpha scattering results. The theoretical prediction for large-angle scattering from a Thomson-model atom must be derived and shown to be in complete disagreement with experimental results. The expected result for this large-angle scattering from a nuclear atom is then derived and shown to be in agreement with experiment. Only in this way can the student advance beyond a superficial understanding of this initial justification for the nuclear atom.
The topics covered in this course are:
1. Selected topics from special relativity
a. Relativistic expressions for momentum and energy
2. Selected topics from quantum theory
a. Photons
b. De Broglie's postulate
c. Uncertainty principle
d. Probabilistic interpretation
e. Energy quantization
3. Basic properties of nuclei
a. Rutherford scattering
b. Nuclear size, mass, composition
4. Binding energy
a. Binding energy curve
b. Saturation of binding energy
c. Mirror nuclei
d. Semi-empirical mass formula
5. Spins and moments of nuclei
a. Total spin of nuclei
b. Magnetic moments
c. Non-pointlike nature of nucleons
6. Radioactivity
a. Survival equation, half-life
b. Radioactive series
7. Alpha and beta decay
a. Energetics
b. Alpha decay: barrier penetration
c. Beta decay: need for the neutrino
8. Interaction of radiation with matter
a. Particle detectors
b. Biological effects of ionizing radiation
9. Particle physics
a. Accelerators
b. Particle spectroscopy; the quark model; the standard model
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course is conducted in the traditional lecture/discussion format. Worked exercises make up a significant portion of the lecture time. Student participation in these exercises is encouraged. It is important that the student be thinking about the solution rather than simply copying it from the board. The student is strongly encouraged to do additional exercises at home.
Goals and Objectives of Course
1. Students will be able to trace the development of the understanding of matter from the atomic to the nuclear and sub-nuclear levels.
2. Students will be able to discuss the social and technological impact of discoveries in nuclear science.
3. Students will be able to discuss, as quantitatively as possible, nuclear properties, decays, etc.
4. Students will improve their abilities to apply concepts and equations in the solution of elementary quantitative problems in nuclear science.
Assessment Measures
These include classroom participation, homework assignments and/or regular quizzes, tests, and the final exam. Most testing involves quantitative problem solving. However, a modest percentage may involve short essay questions intended to assess simple understanding of the material discussed in class.
Other Course Information
This course is dual-listed as CHEM 511.
Students taking this course for graduate credit have two options. They may either: (1) demonstrate a level of proficiency with the material beyond that of the undergraduate students, or (2) submit a library research paper on a topic related to the course material. In the first case, additional homework problems, including problems of greater complexity, will be assigned; in addition, one of the problems on each test and the exam will be replaced by a more sophisticated problem. In the second case, the topic of the paper, its length, and its expected level of scientific maturity will be discussed with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
March 1993 Revised and updated Franklin Jones, Chair Physical Science Department
