Nuclear Definition and 997 Threads

  1. S

    Nuclear Excitation: Find Energy of Incoming Photon

    Homework Statement A nucleus of mass m initially at rest absorbs a gamma ray (photon) and is excited to a higher energy state such that its mass is now 1.01 m. Find the energy of the incoming photon needed to carry out this excitation. Homework Equations m^{2} = E^{2}-P^{2} possibly...
  2. P

    How is energy released in nuclear fission?

    I am currently studying A level Physics. I understand that, in a nuclear fusion reaction, the mass of the nucleus we end up with is smaller than that of its constituent nuclei, so Δm is negative and so energy is lost in huge amounts. But what about a nuclear fission reaction? The mass of the...
  3. P

    Can Nuclear Fusion Become a Viable Green Energy Source?

    more in, http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/12/nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-green-energy-source
  4. Eagle9

    Nuclear explosion and black holes

    The nuclear explosion occurs when the nucleus of atom of Uranium (of Plutonium) are split in two pieces by neutrons. These two pieces are repelled from each other due to (the same) positive charge; these pieces are moving quickly between other Uranium atoms, colliding with them. These collisions...
  5. A

    Nuclear power for desalinization not power?

    In 2005 the American Nuclear Society endorsed the use of nuclear energy for desalinisation -- see http://www.ans.org/pi/ps/docs/ps62.pdf Would there be any advantages in terms of safety and / or cost to using nuclear fission to desalinate seawater (or perform some other...
  6. T

    Does fusion nuclear reaction produce alpha ridation

    does fusion nuclear reaction produce alpha and jamma ridation or just alpha
  7. P

    Physics What are the job prospects for Nuclear Physicists outside of academia?

    What jobs can a Nuclear Physicist get that involves actual research? I am interested in the field and wish to do a PhD in it however, I don't really want to stay in academia (low pay, publish or perish etc.). So are there any industry jobs a Nuclear Physicist could do? Other? Also if possible...
  8. M

    What's the relation between Mass Defect and the Strong Nuclear Force?

    Hello. Sorry for being annoying, I've posted like three questions today. But I'm studying nuclear chemistry and still somewhat confused regarding the binding energy and mass defect and their relation with the strong nuclear force.. 1) in this Hank Green video... He says that the mass defect...
  9. T

    Why is the strength of weak nuclear force important ?

    I am just a student. I read that if the strength of weak nuclear force were stronger than current value, this would cause the rarity of neutrons. And, if the strength of weak nuclear force were weaker than current value, this would cause most of hydrogen to convert to helium. I can't understand...
  10. G

    What happens if the nuclear bomb is placed and exploded on the Jupiter

    Hello. I know that more than 80 percent of the atmosphere of the Jupiter is the hydrogen. Does this fact mean that intense explosion possibly with the nuclear bomb burn all the gas of the Jupiter? There must be huge difference to the explosion on Earth.
  11. L

    Nuclear weapons for anti-missile defense

    I couldn't find an compatible heading for this question and decided to place it here since it deals with nuclear engineering, sort of. From the documentary movie, Trinity and Beyond, which is a history of the American nuclear weapons program, it seems that high atmosphere nuclear detonations...
  12. M

    Schools Any hope for nuclear grad school?

    This fall I'll receive my B.S. in Physics. I have a 3.46 gpa and have done research at my home university and an REU. I know I am competing with actual Nuclear Engineering majors. How screwed am I and what small universities that have a nuclear engineering program may I have a shot at?
  13. H

    Is Beryllium a Viable Nuclear Fuel Option?

    4Be8 + 0n1 → 3Li7 +2 0n1 Can we use above reaction for the production of neutrons? Is it possible to obtain a sustainable chain reaction when using Be as fuel?
  14. R

    Symmetry energy in nuclear physics

    I have a question about symmetry energy in semi-empirical mass formula, According to semi-empirical mass formula as follows: E=avA-asA2/3-acZ(Z-1)/A1/3-asym(N-Z)2/A why in the symmetry energy only squared parameter symmetry are exist and there is not the first power of asymmetry parameter?
  15. D

    Mechanical Nuclear coolant pumps built on turbine to generator shaft?

    Hello, I'm new to this board. I have a engineering question about the coolant pumps used to maintain reactors. I have been studying the basics of a PWR. I notice the pumps are fed mostly by electricity. While I see the logic and efficiency of that..I am left wondering why the space on...
  16. W

    Interview With A Nuclear Engineer

    I am a high school sophomore, and a year-long project for my engineering class involves a series of five or six interview questions with a nuclear engineer. I don't know if this is in the right category, but please reply if you can help. The file is attached to prove my point.
  17. M

    Nuclear Engineering from Physics

    So I should be graduating next year with an AA, BS in Physics, minor in math ~3.4/3.6gpa. GRE 55% verbal 87% qualitative 4 in writing with a Physics GRE score of 710 (~55%). Undergrad research along with an REU. I can probably retake the GRE as I have another year of undergrad left. With this...
  18. T

    About the q value problem in nuclear physics

    About the Q values , the textbook are using the Q= Δ m c^2 where (Δ m = mass_initial - mass_final). When Q < 0 is endothermic and when Q > 0 is exothermic nuclear process. But i use the another way round , i use the concept of thermodynamics and physical chemistry, Q > 0 is endothermic and...
  19. J

    Nuclear reactions and Einstein's famous formula

    In high school, we calculated the reaction-energy by equating the mass difference and the energy difference with proportionality factor c². How does Einstein's theory of relativity suddenly enter nuclear physics? It startles me because both fields developped historically completely divergent...
  20. R

    Understanding the Shell Model in Nuclear Physics

    Hi Just a quick question that I have been wondering about ... how do nucleons fill energy levels, and what is the maximum number of nucleons that can occupy each level? The given pattern is: 1s, 1p, 1d, 2s, 1f, 2p, 1g, etc I can see no obvious pattern here. Can anyone explain? I...
  21. T

    Engineering Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering

    I have twin sons who are interested in Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering. I want them to follow their interests, but I am concerned they will not be able to find jobs. Would majoring in a different branch on engineering, such as mechanical, chemical, or with a minor in aerospace or nuclear be a...
  22. F

    Calculating Nuclear Fusion Energy

    Hi, I'm doing some coursework on nuclear fusion, and am trying to calculate the energy released by fusing a tritium and a deuterium atom together. I used the equation: ( Σ mass (reactants) - Σ mass (products) ) x 931.5 MeV/amu = Binding energy. and Deuterium + Tritium = Helium +...
  23. I

    Inflationary Cosmologys effects on the strong nuclear force

    Not sure if this is a cosmology or standard model question , but here it goes. If the repelling force caused by inflationary cosmology were strong enough (perhaps down the line a few hundred quadrillion years from now or so) to begin to create space in between quarks, will the strong nuclear...
  24. A

    Programs Undergraduate degree to graduate degree in Nuclear Engineering

    I'm currently an undergraduate in electrical engineering. There aren't any nuclear engineering programs in my state, but I'm highly considering getting a graduate degree in nuclear engineering following my undergraduate degree, because it's very interesting to me. However, I'm wondering...
  25. G

    How does Einstein's equation account for changes in mass during nuclear bonding?

    I understand what nuclear binding energy is and its importance in nuclear weaponry an the fueling of stars, but why, in other types of bonds, such as chemical bonds, Einstein's equation e=mc2 is not applied and the bonding of two substances is not assumed to have energy as mass? But when an...
  26. P

    Analogy for magnetism in the nuclear strong force?

    Whenever people begin to explain the nuclear strong force, they relate it to electricity. I was wondering if color charges, besides also interacting with one another in a way that's analogous to electricity, can also interact in a way that's analogous to magnetism. I have asked some professors...
  27. N

    Controlling Nuclear Fission Geometry

    Hi everyone, I'm an engineer and not a physicist, so forgive me if something sounds stupid. Question: Is it possible to know, which way products of nuclear fission (u-235) will go? Imagine a sheet of single (or few) atom layer crystal of U-235, that is irradiated by neutron source from...
  28. F

    [Nuclear Rocket]Idea to increase Isp and thrust of nuclear rocket

    I had an interesting idea for increasing the Specific Impulse and Thrust of a nuclear rocket engine; it's probably not practical - best case scenario 20% increase in exhaust velocity, with proportional increase in thrust, at the cost of 1.5x to 2x weight increase, and likely much lower - but I...
  29. M

    Nuclear Fusion News from LLNL/NIF

    Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used the NIF ( National Ignition Facility ) laser to reach encouraging progress toward ignition From "The Independent" newpaper serving Livermore: http://www.independentnews.com/news/article_792110c0-2c5b-11e3-846e-001a4bcf887a.html...
  30. T

    Navy Nuclear Enlisted: Benefits, A School & STA-21

    Hi everyone, I am about to go to basic training before going in as a Nuke. I was hoping if I could get some answers to a few questions I have. What is the life like in A school? How long is the school and how much time do you have for other things like working out? What are the major...
  31. P

    Schools Research and Nuclear Engineering Grad School?

    I posted a question a while back on medical physics and got great feedback so I'm back again in with another dilemma... I spent the summer doing med physics research and I liked the radiation physics and computational aspects of it quite a bit. I'd like to apply for grad school in nuclear...
  32. G

    Nuclear Binding Energy Confusion

    I read that nuclear binding energy is the energy required to separate a nucleus into its comprising nucleons. Why then is mass defect calculated from this? How is the nuclear binding energy graph used to calculate energy released from fusion? Please explain in layman's terms, if you could...
  33. B

    The Earth as its own nuclear magnetic resonance machine

    My physics buddy and I have been having a debate. I was claiming that even under the natural Earth's magnetic field that with good signal to noise ratio based on the radar systems scaled appropriately the top layers of the Earth could be seen. He claimed that the signal to noise ratio of the T1...
  34. C

    Nuclear Physics: Recoil in gamma decay

    Homework Statement Question wants you to a) find the difference between Egamma and the excitation energy of the nucleus due to the fact that the nucleus recoils. (using approximation that Egamma is small relative to nucleus mass. other parts are simple if I can get a)Homework Equations...
  35. B

    Practical Nuclear Fusion - how close?

    Can anyone say how close we are to obtaining a workable nuclear fusion generating plant? I understand the largest trial is being built in France (albeit with many delays apparently) Does anyone have any understanding as to what the best guess is to this technology being available to the...
  36. Greg Bernhardt

    Fukushima Japan Earthquake: nuclear plants Fukushima part 2

    Part 1 can be found here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=480200 Magnitude-5.3 earthquake hits Japan's Fukushima http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/19/japan-fukushima-nuclear-plant/2835493/
  37. C

    Nuclear Engineering Graduate Programs

    Anybody know of any nuclear engineering graduate programs where I can study advanced reactor designs and fuels. I would like to research liquid fluoride thorium reactors. I was looking at NC State but I don't see anything on their that suggest they have any research in those areas.
  38. B

    Engineering Nuclear engineering with aerospace background

    Hello, I am a student in physics engineering and I would like to work as a nuclear engineering later on in my career but we don't have a proper atomic and nuclear physics concentration in my program. We have optics, aerospace engineering and materials science that come as close candidates as a...
  39. A

    Physics I Need Guidance in Becoming a Nuclear Physicist

    Hello PFers! I am currently a Junior in HighSchool and I am extremely interested in Nuclear Science. My mentality is to prepare for things in advance as soon as possible, so I would love to know some things that I can research and do that would give me a head start and basic...
  40. A

    Electron scattering: nuclear radius to nucleon number relationship

    Hi! I am extremely confused on what seems to be quite a simple question. The question contains a graph of root mean square radius <r^{2}> plotted against A^{1/3} where A is the nucleon number. In the lecture notes he specifies that <r^{2}> is not the same as R but does not really say...
  41. 10Exahertz

    Calculating the Nuclear Strong Force?

    For an Ap Physics Homework assignment our teacher had us calculate the Nuclear Strong Force for a Helium nucleus with a diameter of 2 femtometers. However, the intention was to calculate the nuclear strong force by assuming that the nucleus is intact, in such a case the particles would not be...
  42. B

    Understanding Nuclear Core: Fuel Rod Composition and Control Rod Function

    I know the Fuel Rods are 12 Feet long Tubes made of Zirconium Alloy. And they fill them with Uranium Oxide Pellets. And the Control Rods are inserted inbetween them to slow down the reaction. And the Control Rods are made of Boron. But is the Control Rods Tubes filled with Boron...
  43. P

    What would happen if five modern nuclear bombs detonated over a town?

    Let's say the town is a coastal town. How long would the radiation remain? Would there be any fallout comparable to nuclear winter? How would the ocean be affected?
  44. E

    Nuclear fusion- Is this right?

    In the fusion of hydrogen to give helium, some protons get converted into neutrons. As a proton and neutron have no electrostatic force of repulsion between them, the potential energy between the two protons is released in the form of gamma rays(ultimately). Also part of the energy is used to...
  45. X

    How broad is nuclear engineering?

    I wonder How broad is nuclear engineering? Is nuclear engineering in high demand? Should I take EECS and ME to enrich my engineering skills? I'd like to get a BA in Business and a BS in NE. Which areas of nuclear engineering (energy, nuclear medicine, nuclear materials ...) will make my...
  46. E

    Is the concept of binding energy in nuclear reactions contradictory?

    Hello forum. So the other day I was pondering properties of atomic nucleus, in particular the property of binding energy (mass defect). Whenever a nucleus -- through a nuclear reaction of some sort -- is split or joined into a more stable nucleus, energy is released. However the newly formed...
  47. C

    Yucca Mountain viability for nuclear waste

    So what do you guys think of yucca mountain as a permanent waste site?
  48. I

    Programs What to major in when looking to work with nuclear energy

    I'm currently a junior in high-school and am looking to narrow down my options for colleges by major. I want to work with nuclear energy as a career and am conflicted as to what majors or academic path I should take. I specifically want to work with fusion on things such as the ITER Project and...
  49. H

    How different would matter-antimatter explosion be compared to nuclear

    Would the antimatter explosion still make a fireball and thus a blast wave ? If so, then how will the fireball form in this case ? I mean, matter and antimatter annihilation produce very energetic pions, muons and gamma rays and some other particles after decaying depending of course on which...
  50. D

    Why Do Nuclear Mass and Charge Distributions Follow the Same Function?

    why do we say that nuclear mass distribution and nuclear charge distribution follows the same function while nucleus has both charged and uncharged particles?
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