What is Nuclear Physics?

Nuclear physics is the study of the properties of the atomic nucleus, a very tiny object at the center of every atom. The nucleus is made up protons and neutrons, which are themselves made up of quarks. The forces that hold the nucleus together are very strong.

Physicists can find out the shape of a small object like a nucleus?

Experiments can also be done where the size of a nucleus is measured by scattering particles from it. This is a little bit like standing outdoors in the dark and throwing tennis balls off in different directions until one hits a building. You can estimate the size of the building by keeping track of when a ball bounces back (or you hear it hit) and when it misses.

These pages are UNDER DEVELOPMENT.

I want to start with a simple overview linked to defintions. Part of this should follow the DNP document, but I mainly want a good tutorial that gives a "tour" of nuclear physics. I want to base this loosely on my intro seminar notes for HS teachers.

Right now the only sections I am working on actively are the ones on atomic and nuclear sizes that present "power-of-10" relationships.

Send questions or comments to carr@scri.fsu.edu.

Please send us any questions you would like answered about nuclei.

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These links take us to:

• Intro - This page, the starting point for an introduction to nuclei and what nuclear physics is all about.

• Sizes - A power-of-10 series on atomic and nuclear sizes compared to cells and people.

• Tour - A tour (eventually) that provides a tutorial like my seminar for HS teachers.

• Help - Guidance on how this document works.