Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell

By Carlos A. Bertulani

Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell provides a clear, concise, and up-to-date overview of the atomic nucleus and the theories that seek to explain it. Bringing together a systematic explanation of hadrons, nuclei, and stars for the first time in one volume, Carlos A. Bertulani provides the core material needed by graduate and advanced undergraduate students of physics to acquire a solid understanding of nuclear and particle science. Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell is the definitive new resource for anyone considering a career in this dynamic field.

The book opens by setting nuclear physics in the context of elementary particle physics and then shows how simple models can provide an understanding of the properties of nuclei, both in their ground states and excited states, and also of the nature of nuclear reactions. It then describes: nuclear constituents and their characteristics; nuclear interactions; nuclear structure, including the liquid-drop model approach, and the nuclear shell model; and recent developments such as the nuclear mean-field and the nuclear physics of very light nuclei, nuclear reactions with unstable nuclear beams, and the role of nuclear physics in energy production and nucleosynthesis in stars.

Throughout, discussions of theory are reinforced with examples that provide applications, thus aiding students in their reading and analysis of current literature. Each chapter closes with problems, and appendixes address supporting technical topics.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691125058
• ISBN13: 9780691125053
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 2.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 7.3" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Physics In A Nutshell

The book arrived prior to Dec.25 in great condition. I was very pleased with how quickly the seller shipped it especially during the holiday season.

DR ADAM KOENIGSBERG NUCLEAR PHYSICS

A rather advanced text on nuclear physics; would suggest one or two background courses prior to its review. Adam Koenigsberg MD

clear and concise

Bertulani's book has the virtue of clear writing, and a focus on explaining the most important points of nuclear physics. At the level of a 3rd or 4th year undergraduate text. It presupposes at least one earlier course in non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Plus, having an introductory course in nuclear physics would also help, though it is not necessary. The modelling of the nucleus is extensive. So too is the explanation of radioactivity and why some nuclei are unstable. The 3 main modes of decay- alpha, beta, and gamma - each gets its own chapter. The mechanisms are rather different, as the reader will note. The exercises in each chapter are moderately challenging, and probably suitable as assignment problems.