Section 1. Testing the structure of matter with high energy particle beams

Objectives: On completion of this section you should be able to:

• 1 Describe the passage of charged particles through matter.

• 2. Explain the energy loss of charged particles by ionisation.

• 3. Discuss the form of Rutherford scattering formula.

• 4. Explain the dependence of Rutherford scattering on energy and mass of the incident particle.

• 5. Appreciate the idea of the distance of closest approach and from this estimate nuclear size.

Section 2. Radioactive decay

Objectives: On completion of this section you should be able to:

• 1 Describe the observed forms of radioactive decay.

• 2. Describe the properties of a, b and g radiation.

• 3. Explain the range of a and b radiation in matter.

• 4. Derive the exponential absorption law of g radiation.

• 5. State the law of radioactive decay.

• 6. Define mean life and half life.

• 7. Explain the ideas underlying dating of materials.

• 8. Discuss the determination of the age of the earth.

• 9. Explain ¹⁴C dating.

• 10. Explain radioactive decay series.

• 11. Explain radioactive growth and decay.

• 12. Perform calculations involving radioactive equilibria.

Section 3. The composition of the nucleus and nuclear reactions

Objectives: On completion of this section you should be able to:

• 1. Discuss the neutron-proton model of the nucleus.

• 2. Distinguish isotopes and isotones.

• 3. List the properties of the nuclear force - strength, range and exchange nature.

• 4. Explain nuclear binding energy and mass defect.

• 5. State mass-energy equivalence

• 6. Calculate the energy released in nuclear reactions

• 7. Write down valid reaction equations

• 8. Define centre-of-mass coordinate system

• 9. Calculate reaction thresholds.

Section 4. Nuclear fission and fusion

Objectives: On completion of this section you should be able to:

• 1. Describe nuclear fission.

• 2. Discuss the principles of operation of a nuclear reactor - induced nuclear fission, the quantities of energy released, chain reaction, critical mass.

• 3. Describe the passage of slow and fast neutrons through matter.

• 4. Explain the choice and the use of moderators.

• 5. Explain the stabilisation of reactors using prompt and delayed neutrons.

• 6. Discuss the principles of fast breeder reactors.

• 7. Describe nuclear fusion and the energy source of the Sun.

• 8. Describe the principal features of a tokamak device and the status of laboratory-induced fusion.

Section 5. The biological effects of ionising radiation

Objectives: On completion of this section you should be able to:

• 1. Describe the effects of ionising radiation on the human tissue.

• 2. Describe the medical uses of radiation.

• 3. Write down the units of radiation rate, dose and damage - the Becquerel, Gray and Sievert.

• 4. Appreciate the relative biological effectiveness of different radiations.

• 5. Appreciate the effects of high and low levels of radiation.

• 6. Appreciate the importance of man-made and natural sources of radiation and the risks they present as compared to other hazards of life.

• 7. List the limits of radiation exposure.