tuumafüüsikas

Tuumafüüsikas (nuclear physics) is the branch of physics that studies atomic nuclei, their constituents, and the interactions that govern nuclear processes. It encompasses the structure of nuclei, the forces at play inside them, and the ways nuclei transform through radioactivity and nuclear reactions. The field combines theoretical modelling with experimental measurements and underpins many practical technologies.

Fundamental concepts include the composition of nuclei (protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons), nuclear binding energy, and the various models used to describe nuclear structure, such as the shell model and other collective approaches. Radioactivity, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay, is central to understanding isotopes, half-lives, and decay chains. Nuclear reactions—fission, fusion, neutron capture, and scattering—reveal how nuclei interact with particles and radiation.

Experimental methods rely on particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, and various detectors (Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, gamma-ray spectrometers) to measure energies, cross sections, and decay schemes. Theoretical work uses quantum mechanics and statistical models to predict observations and interpret data.

Applications of tuumafüüsikas include nuclear energy production, medical imaging and therapy (such as PET and radiotherapy), material analysis, and environmental tracing. In astrophysics, nuclear physics explains nucleosynthesis in stars and the evolution of the cosmos. Safety and radiation protection are integral to all work in the field, with an emphasis on minimizing exposure and environmental impact.