PHY 3550 - Nuclear Physics

2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits

Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to nuclear physics with a focus on applications. The course examines the nature of radioactivity, nuclear reactions and radioactive decay. The majority of discussion of applications is dedicated to nuclear power, the control and utilization of energy from fission and fusion reactions. Use of radioactive isotopes and radiation in medicine and basic science, among other applications, is also discussed. Course time is also dedicated to the uniquely insidious hazards of radiation. The course has a lab that meets every other week and gives students a unique opportunity for tangible exploration of course concepts as well as experience with real radioactive sources, radiation detection and measurement technology, and practice with safety techniques and best practices.
Prereq: PHY 1120 (quarter system prereq: PH 2021, PH 2031)
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: Think Critically

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Define and explain basic nuclear physics concepts such as nuclear reactions and radiation, binding energy, nuclear stability, neutron reactions, and radioactive isotopes
Explain interaction of radiation with matter and be able to calculate quantities such as radioactive dose
Compare and contrast nuclear fission and fusion
Discuss recent advances in fusion
Explain biological effects of radiation
Explain and perform simple calculations involving radioactive dating and recognize the applicability of different isotopes for different applications
Describe medical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that utilize radiation effects such as PET scans, radiosurgery, and radiopharmaceuticals
Explain radiation safety procedures and protection equipment

Reactor Physics:

Explain the process of nuclear fission, fission energy, and critical mass
Explain the interaction of neutrons with matter including concepts like the cross-sections for neutrons and distinguish between “slow” and “fast” neutrons
Explain the criticality condition for a steady state reactor and multiplication factors
Identify reactor components and discuss different reactor fuels, moderators and control materials
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different reactor designs
State the basic differences between a homogeneous reactor and a heterogeneous reactor
Describe different methods of control of a nuclear reactor
Discuss the two different types of neutrons in a reactor; the prompt neutrons and the delayed neutrons. Discuss the effect of delayed neutrons in a reactor
Define reactivity and the units of reactivity. Also, explain the natural reactivity changes and the factors affecting reactivity
Explain temperature effects on reactivity and define the temperature coefficient of reactivity
Discuss reactor safety considerations

Prerequisites by Topic

Physics: mechanics
Physics: electricity and magnetism

Course Topics

Nuclear physics fundamental, nuclear reactions and radiation
Radioactive half-lives
Biological effect of radiation, radiation safety considerations, radioactive shielding
Radiation detectors and instruments
Nuclear energy
Reactor theory and operation
Thermodynamics of nuclear power plants
Applications of nuclear physics in medicine
Useful radiation effects in materials
Radioactive waste disposal

Laboratory Topics
Potential lab topics include, but are not limited to:

Radiation background survey
Radioactive decay counting statistics
Attenuation coefficient for gamma rays through lead
X-ray diffraction using LiF, bremsstrahlung and Bragg’s law
X-ray diffraction of cubic crystals including lattice constant
GM tube activity and dose
Half lives of two radioactive silver isotopes
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
PMT scintillation gamma ray spectroscopy

Coordinator
Dr. Zach Simmons

Announcement

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Milwaukee School of Engineering

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PHY 3550 - Nuclear Physics