Category: Nuclear

  • Neutron Capture

    Neutron Capture

    Before we talk any further about fission it is useful to have a look at what other things can happen to the neutrons. One thing […]

  • Very Heavy Atoms – Fission

    Very Heavy Atoms – Fission

    Spontaneous Fission For heavy elements (greater than mass 232) the nucleus can split into two smaller elements and a few spare neutrons. This is called […]

  • Atomic Mass and Stability – Alpha Decay

    Atomic Mass and Stability – Alpha Decay

    As atomic mass increases the stability of the nucleus increases but after a while they become too heavy and the stability decreases. The graph above […]

  • Proton to Neutron Ratios and the Stability of Nuclei – Beta Radiation

    Proton to Neutron Ratios and the Stability of Nuclei – Beta Radiation

    Adding more neutrons to the nucleus does not change the chemical properties of the atom. A hydrogen atom with one or even two neutrons has […]

  • What Is Radiation

    What Is Radiation

    Radiation is just the term for something that can travel through empty space. It could be a particle or a wave. There are many different […]

  • The Structure Of Matter

    The Structure Of Matter

    Before we go any further we have to understand what makes up the matter around us – the computer in front of me, the air […]

  • Introduction

    Introduction

    Before we start on the subject of nuclear physics there are a few fundamentals that we have to understand: Energy Without energy nothing would happen. […]