Chapter 1 - The atomic nucleus, nuclear radiation, and the interaction of radiation with matter

Abstract

The chapter includes a history of the discovery and characterization of radioactivity. It follows with a description of the properties of atomic constituents, and the relation between mass and energy. This is followed with a treatment on the properties of the nucleus, nuclear forces, binding energy, nuclear models, and the relativistic properties of nuclear radiation. Natural and artificially produced radionuclides are discussed including radionuclides of cosmogenic origin and natural radionuclide decay chains. Nuclear reactions are discussed including reaction types, energy of reactions (Q value), and reaction cross section. A treatment of alpha decay, beta decay including negatron emission, positron emission, electron capture (EC), double beta (ββ) decay, and the interactions of alpha and beta radiation with matter. Also discussed are internal conversion and Auger electron emissions and a detailed treatment of neutron sources, interaction of neutrons with matter, neutron attenuation and cross section, and neutron decay. The wave-particle dual nature of matter is discussed and a treatment of electromagnetic radiation or photons including the mechanisms of photon interaction with matter. Cherenkov radiation, its origin, and properties are discussed. The origins, properties and applications of synchrotron radiation are also discussed. The chapter continues with a treatment of nuclear recoil and the calculations of recoil energy following alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, and neutrino emission in radionuclide decay. Cosmic radiation is discussed including the origins, properties, classification, and showers of the cosmic radiation. A treatment of radiation dose, stopping power, and linear energy transfer is included. The principles of radionuclide decay, ingrowth, and equilibrium are included. There is also a discussion of radioactivity units and the correlation of radioactivity and radionuclide mass.