Nuclear Physics: Advanced Principles and Applications

Nuclear physics is a field of physics that is concerned with the study of atomic nuclei, their constituents and interactions. The structure and properties of the nucleus can be understood from the classical and quantum mechanical approaches of liquid-drop model and the nuclear shell model respectively. Current research in nuclear physics studies nuclei under extreme conditions, such as under high excitation energy and high spin. Nuclei with extreme neutron-to-proton ratios can be artificially created, by the processes of nucleon transfer reactions or induced fusion reactions. Some of the significant areas of study in nuclear physics are nuclear decay processes, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Advances in nuclear physics have transformed the fields of medicine, warfare, energy, geology and archaeology. This book elucidates the advanced principles of nuclear physics and their applications in a multidisciplinary manner. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into the field of nuclear physics.