Nuclear physics
Nuclear Physics
Nuclear physics (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər ˈfɪz.ɪks/) is a branch of physics that studies the constituents and interactions of atomic nuclei. The most commonly known applications of nuclear physics are nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology, but the research has provided application in many fields, including those in nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging, ion implantation in materials engineering, and radiocarbon dating in geology and archaeology.
Etymology
The term "nuclear" comes from Latin nucleus or nuculeus, meaning kernel or seed. This term was introduced into the scientific literature by Michael Faraday in 1844. The word "physics" comes from Ancient Greek φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), meaning "knowledge of nature".
Related Terms
- Atomic Nucleus: The small, dense region consisting of protons and neutrons at the center of an atom.
- Nuclear Reaction: A process in which two nuclei, or a nucleus and an external subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more new nuclides.
- Nuclear Fission: A nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei.
- Nuclear Fusion: A reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles.
- Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Nuclear Medicine: A medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
- Radiocarbon Dating: A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope of carbon.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear physics
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear physics
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