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Aims :

• To introduce the concept of binding energy and to explain the energy released in nuclear reactions.
• To consider, qualitatively, simple nuclear reactions and to discuss, quantitatively, the likelihood of nuclear reactions taking place in terms of cross-sections.

Objectives :
By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Explain the concept of mass defect.
• Calculate the mass defect of a nucleus of an atom in unified atomic mass units and its energy equivalent in MeV given the mass of the proton, neutron, electron and the atom concerned.
• Define binding energy.
• Explain the concept of binding energy per nucleon and sketch this function against atomic number indicating on the graph the regions of maximum stability and show the regions where fission and fusion can occur.
• Calculate in MeV the energy released in fission of U-235 assuming two palladium nuclei are produced and given sufficient data.
• Explain the term induced radioactivity.
• Identify two ways of representing a nuclear reaction.
• Predict the products of a nuclear reaction given the target nucleus and the type of reaction by applying the 'law of conservation of charge' and the 'law of conservation of mass number.'
• Cite an example of a nuclear reaction.
• Characterise the four major interactions between neutrons and nuclei.
• State the reaction rate formula and define its component parts.
• Demonstrate with numerical examples the inter-relationship between cross-sections.
• Briefly differentiate between microscopic cross-section and macroscopic cross section.
• Sketch graphs of fission cross-section in U-235 and U-238, and capture cross-section in U-238.

Course Modules:

Properties of Nuclei Nuclear Reactions The Rate of Reaction Appendices Assessment