About the book

The book is based on the lectures of the author at the  Obninsk Polytechnical school. The textbook is divided into two parts, "Nuclear Physics" and "Nuclear Readers". Part one describes the fundamentals of atomic physics, as well as Hie re of the atomic nucleus and radioactivity, registration and dosimetry of ionizing Radiations, and their Interaction with matter. Methods for accelerating charged particles, the properties of cosmic radiation and the physics at neutrons are also discussed. An introduction to atomic power engineering presented in the second part. The construction, physics and operation pf nuclear reactors, the development and economics of atomic power are also considered. The textbook is intended for students in physics technical schools, for technicians working in physics laboratories or servicing nuclear reactors and other atomic installations.

CONTENTS

PART ONE
ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS

1. Atomic Physics
1.1 Matter and Electricity
1.2 Probability and Spectra
1.3 Mass and Energy
1.4 Electromagnetic Radiation
1.5 Structure of the Atom
1.6 Atomic Spectra

2. Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics
2.1 The Subject of Quantum Mechanics
2.2 Quantum States of Electrons in Atoms
2.3 Uncertainty Principle

3. Atomic Nucleus
3.1 Properties of the Atomic Nucleus
3.2 Binding Energy of the Nucleus
3.3 Energy Levels of Nuclei
3.4 Nuclear Forces and Stability
3.5 Models of the Nucleus

4. Radioactivity
4.1 General Properties of Radioactivity
4.2 Radioactive Series
4.3 Law of Radioactive Decay
4.4 Alpha Decay
4.5 Beta Decay
4.6 Internal Conversion and Nuclear Isomerism
4.7 Applications of Radioactive Substances

5. Interaction Between Ionizing Radiations and Matter
5.1 Particle Flux Density and Intensity of Ionizing Radiation
5.2 Interaction Between Heavy Charged Particles and Matter
5.3 Range of Heavy Particles in Matter
5.4 Interaction Between Beta Particles and Matter
5.5 Interaction Between Electromagnetic Radiation and Matter
5.6 Radiation Doses
5.7 Characteristics of Gamma Radiation Sources
5.8 Calculation of Protective Shields for Point Gamma Sources

6. Measurement of Ionizing Radiations
6.1 Ionization Methods for Measurement of Radiations
6.2 Volt-Ampere Characteristic of a Gas Discharge
6.3 Ionization Chamber
6.4 Proportional Counters
6.5 Geiger-Muller Counters
6.6 Scintillation Counters
6.7 Semiconductor Detectors
6.8 Other Techniques for Measuring Radiations

7. Accelerators of Charged Particles
7.1 Applications of Accelerators
7.2 Linear Accelerators
7.3 The Cyclotron and Synchrocyclotron
7.4 Electron Accelerators
7.5 Proton Synchrotron

8. Nuclear Reactions
8.1 General Definition and Nuclear Reaction Equations
8.2 Laws of Conservation of Energy and Momentum in Nuclear Reactions
8.3 The Compound Nucleus
8.4 Effective Cross Section and Yield of Nuclear Reactions
8.5 Nuclear Reactions Induced by Charged Particles
8.6 Nuclear Reactions at High Energies
8.7 Thermonuclear Reactions
8.8 Transuranic Elements

9. Cosmic Radiation
9.1 Nature of Cosmic Radiation
9.2 Radiation Belts of the Magnetosphere
9.3 Elementary Particles

10. Neutron Physics
10.1 Properties of Neutrons
10.2 Neutron Sources
10.3 Neutron Spectrometers
10.4 Neutron-Induced Nuclear Reactions
10.5 Neutron Detection
10.6 General Law of Attenuation of the Neutron Flux Density
10.7 Neutron Diffusion
10.8 Neutron Slowing-Down
10.9 Thermal Neutrons
10.10 Nuclear Fission
10.11 Nuclear Fission Chain Reaction

PART TWO
NUCLEAR REACTORS

11.Design and Classification of Reactors
11.1 Reactor Design
11.2 How Reactors Are Used
11.3 Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Reactors
11.4 Thermal, Fast, and Intermediate Neutron Reactors
11.5 Classification of Power Reactors by Coolants and Moderators
11.6 Reactor Structural Materials

12.Reactor Physics
12.1 Neutron Multiplication Factor
12.2 Neutron Flux Density and Leakage
12.3 Parameters of a Critical Bare Reactor
12.4 Reactors with Reflectors

13.Reactor Operation
13.1 Reactivity and Reactor Period
13.2 Reactivity Temperature Coefficient
13.3 Changes in Nuclear Fuel Composition
13.4 Control Devices of the Safety Control System
13.5 Reactor Start-Up and Shutdown
13.6 Heat Generation and Heat Exchange in Reactors

14.Atomic Power Engineering
14.1 Development of Atomic Power Engineering
14.2 Atomic Power Economics
14.3 Research and Experimental Reactors
14.4 Graphite-Water Reactors
14.5 Vessel Water-Water Power Reactors (WWPR)
14.6 Fast Neutron Reactors

Appendix

1. International System of Units (SI)
2. Fundamental Constants
3. Physical and Nuclear Properties of Some Elements
4. Physical Properties of Some Moderators
5. Half-lives of Some Radioactive Substances
6. Values of e^(-x) and e^x Functions

Subject Index