Elements of Nuclear and Particle Physics

Recommended Prerequisites

Quantum Mechanics.  

Teaching Methods

Lectures with exposure of concepts and fundamental theories, and discussion of practical applications of these concepts.

Problem solving classes with typical examples of the subjects under study.

Learning Outcomes

Physical phenomena involved and deepen this knowledge; solve problems using the acquired knowledge; communicate (with specialists and non-specialists) the interpretation of raised questions and solutions to problems.

Generic skills to achieve: Information management competence; Competence in analysis and synthesis; Competence to communicate with people who are not experts in the field; Adaptability to new situations; Concern with sustainable development; Competence to apply in practice the theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Description and properties of fundamental interactions. Classification of particles.

Types of radiation: alpha, beta, gamma and electron capture; study of nuclear fission and fusion reactions.

Properties of the nuclear force. Experimental measurements and factors that determine the mass of the nucleus and the

binding energy. Force exchange particles.

Liquid drop model. Expression for nuclear mass and stability. Alpha decay. Gamov theory, selection rules and other

processes. Shell model. Spin-orbit interaction and electric and magnetic moments, deformation of nuclei, nuclear excitation.

Electromagnetic transitions, selection rules and transition probabilities.

Weak interaction and beta decay. Fermi model.

Standard Model of Particle Physics. Feynman diagrams and propagators. Weak interaction and field bosons. Leptons and quarks. Quantum chromodynamics and asymptotic freedom of quarks. C, P, T and CP symmetries

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

W. S. C. Williams, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Oxford University Press, 1991

K. Krane, Introductory Nulcear Physics, John Wiley and Sons, 1987

R. Eisberg and R. Resnick, Quantum Physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles (2nd edition), John Wiley and Sons, 1985

T. Mayer-Kuckuk, Física Nuclear, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 1993