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Radiation such as gamma rays, alpha and beta particles all originate in the nucleus of an atom. They arise when a nucleus can reach a lower energy state by emitting a particle or burst of energy. An analogy would be that a pen is in a lower energy (more stable) state on the floor than on a table top (massive simplification). X-rays, however, originate in the electron shells of an atom and are of lower energy than gamma rays. Radiation physics would typically study the effects of radiation on the body... both causes and treatment for cancer. It has many applications in medicine (see Technetium-99) such as PET scanners which rely on beta+ particles (positron emission tomography). Also, radioactive sources are used in things like smoke detectors. Nuclear physics is more to do with the structure of the nucleus and why these things happen. There is ambiguity as there are massive overlaps (like in many fields of science), but nuclear physics is governed by quantum physics which determine the spin and parity of levels in the nucleus. I work in Nuclear Astrophysics, we use accelerators to fuse nuclei, or parts of nuclei, together. The result is often radioactive, so we measure the number of decays to find out how much of the stuff we have made. Radiation physics means we have better detectors and knowledge of the background radiation to get 'cleaner signals'. The structure of nuclear shells are a direct consequence of the type of particles in the nucleus (fermions) which have 1/2 integer spin and obey Fermi-Dirac statistics, this means two particles can't have the same set of quantum numbers. The levels of the nucleons (collective term for protons and neutrons) determine if the nucleus is radioactive. For example, if the nucleus has to change its overall spin or parity the radioactive decay is much slower. If they are similar (or the same) the decay occurs much faster. Hope this is some help!
Radiation physics deals with the study of the behavior and effects of various types of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation. Nuclear physics, on the other hand, focuses on the properties and interactions of atomic nuclei, including nuclear reactions, nuclear structure, and nuclear decay processes. While radiation physics is a broader field that includes all types of radiation, nuclear physics specifically examines the nucleus of atoms.
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Difference between Health physics and Medical physics?
Health physics is concerned with the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, typically in industrial or research settings. Medical physics, on the other hand, focuses on the application of physics concepts and technology in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly in the field of radiology and radiation therapy in healthcare settings.
When was Nuclear Physics News created?
Nuclear Physics News was created in 1990.
What are all the forces used in physics?
In physics, the four fundamental forces are gravity, electromagnetism, the weak nuclear force, and the strong nuclear force. These forces govern the interactions between particles at different scales in the universe.
Where was radiation first detected?
Radiation was first detected in 1896 by French physicist Henri Becquerel while studying the phenomenon of radioactivity in uranium salts. This discovery laid the foundation for the field of nuclear physics and the understanding of radioactivity.
Do people use radiation?
Yes, people use radiation in various fields such as medicine (radiation therapy, X-rays), industry (non-destructive testing, sterilization), and research (radiocarbon dating, nuclear physics). However, it is crucial to handle radiation safely to minimize potential health risks.
What is the difference between physics and rad physics?
Rad Physics is physics applied to radiation
How radiation affected by surface temperature?
Nuclear radiation is not affected at all, but radiation by Electromagnetic Radiation is. This is a straight Physics topic, not Nuclear Energy.
What has the author Hooshang Nikjoo written?
Hooshang Nikjoo has written: 'Interaction of radiation with matter' -- subject(s): Ionizing radiation, MEDICAL / Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Materials, SCIENCE / Energy, Particle tracks (Nuclear physics), Radiobiology, Effect of radiation on, SCIENCE / Nuclear Physics
What has the author C R Emigh written?
C. R. Emigh has written: 'Radiation and particle physics' -- subject(s): Particles (Nuclear physics), Radiation
What has the author A Edward Profio written?
A. Edward Profio has written: 'Experimental reactor physics' -- subject(s): Experiments, Measurement, Neutrons, Nuclear physics, Nuclear reactors, Radiation 'Radiation shielding and dosimetry' -- subject(s): Dosage, Medical Radiology, Radiation, Radiation dosimetry, Safety measures, Shielding (Radiation)
What is the difference between quantum physics and physics?
Nothing. Quantum is a branch of physics
What are the difference between fission and nuclear?
That's like asking what is the difference between a potato and a plant. Nuclear fission is the splitting of atoms to release binding energy. Nuclear is the overall concept that structure and energy of the atom is contained within the nucleus.This answer assumes, by virtue of the category the question was placed in, that the intended topic is nuclear physics, and not biology, to which it could just have as easily been applied.
Difference between Health physics and Medical physics?
Health physics is concerned with the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, typically in industrial or research settings. Medical physics, on the other hand, focuses on the application of physics concepts and technology in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly in the field of radiology and radiation therapy in healthcare settings.
Nuclear physics is the field of physics?
that studies the atomic nucleus, including its structure, behavior, and interactions. It explores the forces that hold the nucleus together and the transformations that occur within it, such as nuclear fusion and fission. Nuclear physics has applications in energy production, medical imaging, and understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter.
Which is radioactivity physics or chemistry?
Radioactivity is a concept rooted in physics rather than chemistry. It involves the spontaneous decay of atomic nuclei, leading to the emission of radiation such as alpha, beta, or gamma particles. While radioactivity has implications in various fields including chemistry, its fundamental principles are based on nuclear physics.
When was Nuclear Physics News created?
Nuclear Physics News was created in 1990.
What are three uses for einsteinium?
Einsteinium is primarily used for research purposes in nuclear physics due to its high radioactivity and ability to undergo nuclear reactions. It can also be used in certain types of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Additionally, einsteinium isotopes can be used as radiation sources for industrial radiography.
