Radioactivity, Nuclear Energy

Study of the basic principles of nucleus physics with a view to concrete everyday applications. The aim of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the physics of the nucleus, followed by a presentation of the applications of radioactivity and nuclear energy in industry (physics of nuclear reactors, fuels), medicine (nuclear imaging) and radiation protection (measuring instruments, units, etc.).

To give students an overview of what constitutes today's applied nuclear physics.

To enable students to perform simple calculations on all the topics covered, so as to obtain orders of magnitude very quickly.

To have a clear scientific opinion on the notion of Nuclear Energy, so as to be able to place it within the broader notion of Energy.

Mastery of all L1 and L2 physics and mathematics concepts

Recommended prerequisites* : Differential equations, thermal concepts....

100% CT

Introduction and history of nuclear physics

The atom. Mass, energy. Conservation laws. Wave-corpuscle duality. Units. Energy levels

The core and its components

Interaction between radiation and matter 

Natural radioactivity, decay, half-life...Classical reactions: alpha, beta, gamma

Artificial radioactivity and induced reaction: fission, fusion

Nuclear reactor physics: fuel, power plants, energy, basic neutronics, reactor thermics, ...examples

Radiation protection: effects of radiation on the human body, units, measuring devices

Notions of nuclear medicine: imaging, treatments...

CM: 13.5 h

TD: 13.5 h