Units 1 & 2 (Nuclear Physics Foundations)
Focus on understanding the structure and properties of the atom, types of nuclear radiation, radioactive decay processes, nuclear reactions, and the applications and effects of nuclear physics in everyday life and technology.

Unit 1 (Atomic Structure and Radioactivity)

1.1 Atomic Structure and Isotopes

• Basic Structure: protons, neutrons, electrons; atomic number and mass number

• Isotopes: definition, notation, and applications in dating and medicine

• Nuclear Stability: balance of forces, stable vs. unstable nuclei

1.2 Types of Nuclear Radiation

• Alpha, Beta, Gamma Radiation: properties, penetration, and ionization abilities

• Detection and Measurement: Geiger counters, cloud chambers, scintillation detectors

• Interaction with Matter: ionization effects and shielding requirements

1.3 Radioactive Decay

• Decay Processes: alpha decay, beta decay (β− and β+), gamma emission

• Half-Life: concept, calculation, and graphs

• Decay Equations and Nuclear Transmutation

1.4 Applications and Risks of Radioactivity

• Medical Uses: radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging

• Industrial Uses: radiography, carbon dating

• Safety and Biological Effects: radiation dose, contamination, and protection

Unit 2 (Nuclear Reactions and Energy)

2.1 Nuclear Reactions

• Fission: process, chain reactions, nuclear reactors

• Fusion: conditions, energy release, stars as fusion reactors

• Balancing Nuclear Equations

2.2 Energy from Nuclear Reactions

• Mass-Energy Equivalence: E=mc² and mass defect

• Binding Energy: concepts and graphs, energy per nucleon

• Energy Release Calculations in Fission and Fusion

2.3 Applications of Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear Power Plants: operation, advantages, and challenges

• Radioisotopes in Industry and Medicine

• Environmental and Ethical Considerations

2.4 Nuclear Physics in the Modern World

• Particle Accelerators and Fundamental Particles

• Nuclear Medicine Advances

• Future Prospects in Fusion Energy