| PHY3052 |
Nuclear and High Energy Physics |
2013-14 |
|
Dr E. Hendry |
|
| |
| Delivery Weeks: |
T2:01-11 |
|
| Level: |
6 (NQF) |
|
| Credits: |
15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS |
|
| Enrolment: |
80 students (approx) |
|
Description
This module is an introduction to nuclear and particle physics delivered as a series of
lectures and integrated self-study packs presenting topics as a series of keynote areas
forming the foundations of the subject. This is a core module for all Physics programmes
and is supported by Stage 3 tutorials and problems classes.
Module Aims
Investigations of the atomic nucleus and, of the fundamental forces
that determine nuclear structure, offer fascinating insights into the
nature of the physical world. The tools for probing these systems are
high-energy particle accelerators and, more recently, colliding-beam
systems. This module, aims to give students a broad overview of
the subject matter, and encouragement to seek further information.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
-
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
- describe the key properties of the atomic nucleus and explain these properties
with the aid of an underlying theoretical framework;
- identify sequences of particles as energy excitations of a ground state;
- identify the quantum numbers that distinguish these sequences and use their conservation to analyse production processes;
- state the relevant conservation laws and use them in analysing meson decays;
- describe the basic weak interaction processes and the significant experiments that elucidate the nature of these;
- describe the quark model and be able to construct the quark composition of particles;
- explain the significance of symmetry to the multiplet structure of elementary particles;
- solve problems on topics included in the syllabus;
-
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
- identify significant applications which make use of nuclear physics,
and explain the role of nuclear physics in these applications;
-
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
- give qualitative descriptions of complicated theories;
- reason logically within a set of given constraints;
- identify significant strands in a mass of confusing data.
Syllabus Plan
-
Nuclear structure
Nuclear forces; liquid-drop model; Segrè curve and interpretation. Shell model; evidence for 'magic' numbers;
-
Nuclear spin (SS1)
Conservation of spin and parity in nuclear decays. Nuclear spin resonance and magnetic resonance imaging.
-
Instability and modes of decay
α-decay, simple version of tunnelling theory; β-decay, neutrino theory,
summary of Fermi theory; Kurie plot. γ-decay; nuclear decay schemes.
-
Beta decay theory (SS2)
Fermi theory of beta decay. Selection rules. Breaking of parity conservation in beta decay.
-
Nuclear reactions
Energetics; Q-values; reaction thresholds. Compound nucleus model, partial widths.
Resonance reactions; Breit-Wigner formula. Fission and Fusion.
-
The neutrino (SS3)
Neutrino mixing angles and oscillation lengths. Neutrino masses.
Dirac vs Majorana neutrinos
-
Introduction to particle physics
Leptons, nucleons, hadrons, quarks and baryons. Symmetries and groups.
-
QED
Relativistic quantum theory of electromagnetic interactions; antiparticles,
electrodynamics of spinless particles, Dirac equation, electrodynamics of spin-1/2 particles.
-
The Casimir force and QED (SS4)
Origin of the Casimir force. Zero point energy. High order corrections to interaction strengths in QED.
Calculating interactions strengths in QED. Extensions to strong and weak forces.
-
Partons
Structure of hadrons, gluons.
-
QCD
Relativistic quantum theory of the strong interactions of quarks and gluons.
-
Symmetry in the Standard Model (SS5)
Local symmetry in the Standard Model. Discrete symmetry: parity, charge conjugation and
time reversal, CPT theorem. CP violation in the weak and strong forces.
-
Weak-interactions
General structure, non-conservation of parity, massive neutrinos, neutrino experiments.
Inverse β-decay. Two-neutrino experiment. CP violation in β-decay.
-
Gauge symmetries
Gauge bosons
Learning and Teaching
Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
| Description |
Study time |
KIS type |
| 20×1-hour lectures |
20 hours
|
SLT |
| 2×1-hour problems/revision classes |
2 hours
|
SLT |
| 3×1-hour tutorials
|
3 hours
|
SLT |
| 5×6-hour self-study packages |
30 hours
|
GIS |
| 4×4-hour problem sets |
16 hours
|
GIS |
| Reading, private study and revision |
79 hours
|
GIS |
Assessment
| Weight |
Form |
Size |
When |
ILOS assessed |
Feedback |
| 0% |
Guided self-study |
5×6-hour packages |
Fortnightly |
1-12 |
Discussion in tutorials
|
| 0% |
4 × Problems sets |
4 hours per set |
Fortnightly |
1-12 |
Solutions discussed in problems classes. |
| 100% |
Final Examination |
2 hours 30 minutes |
May/June |
1-12 |
Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions. |
Resources
The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that
students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).
Core text:
Supplementary texts:
-
Cottingham W.M. and Greenwood D.A. (1998), An Introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-58832-4 (UL: 539.72 COT)
-
Halzen F. and Martin A.D. (1984), Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-88741-2 (UL: 539.721 HAL)
-
Krane K.S. (1987), Introductory Nuclear Physics, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-80553-X (UL: 539.7 KRA)
-
Lilley J. (2001), Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-97935-X (UL: 539.7 LIL)
ELE:
Further Information
Prior Knowledge Requirements
| Pre-requisite Modules |
Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2022) |
| Co-requisite Modules |
none |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.
| Original form of assessment |
Form of re-assessment |
ILOs re-assessed |
Time scale for re-assessment |
| Whole module |
Written examination (100%) |
1-12 |
August/September assessment period |
Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.
KIS Data Summary
| Learning activities and teaching methods |
|---|
| SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities |
25 hrs |
| GIS - guided independent study |
125 hrs |
| PLS - placement/study abroad |
0 hrs |
| Total |
150 hrs |
|
|
| Summative assessment |
|---|
| Coursework |
0% |
| Written exams |
100% |
| Practical exams |
0% |
| Total |
100% |
|
Miscellaneous
| IoP Accreditation Checklist |
- QM-10 Nuclear masses and binding energies
- QM-11 Radioactive decay, fission and fusion
- QM-12 Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles
- QM-13 Fundamental forces and the Standard Model
|
| Availability |
unrestricted |
| Distance learning |
NO |
| Keywords |
Physics; Particle; Decays; Structures; Theory; Model; Quarks; Neutrino; Interaction; Energy; Conservative. |
| Created |
01-Oct-10 |
| Revised |
N/A |
