Livesey Derek L. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Blaisdell Publishing Company, 1966. — 526 p.The study of atomic and nuclear structure forms an essential part of the training of any physicist. Current undergraduate programs in physics introduce atoms and nuclei at an early stage, but the detailed consideration of quantum-mechanical methods is usually deferred for mathematical reasons. As a result, senior undergraduates must undertake extensive study of a formidably complex subject if they are to prepare themselves for research in physics. It follows that the selection of subject matter for a senior course in atomic physics is both important and difficult.This book attempts to present a balanced account of atoms, nuclei, and high-energy particles at a level suitable for undergraduate study. It is assumed that the student will take separate courses in thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory, and relativity, although all these topics are important at one stage or another in this course. Mathematical developments have been kept relatively simple in the early chapters, where some emphasis is laid on historical events and classic experiments. The later chapters are more systematic, but the development of experimental techniques has been stressed, notably in the chapter on nuclear physics. In the chapter on quantum mechanics the details of the solution of Schrodinger’s equation in simple cases have been given and elementary work with matrices is introduced. Strong emphasis is laid on statistical methods at several places throughout the book, including an approach to the quantum theory of the solid state. In every chapter the material has been condensed by the omission of topics set as problems, which therefore form an integral part of the course.