640-354 Sub-atomic Physics

Previously known as 640-354 Nuclear and Particle Physics.

Physics 640-223 or 640-243.

The subject provides an introduction to the unified picture of elementary particles and atomic nuclei - how the elementary quarks combine to form strongly interacting particles, and how two of these, the proton and neutron combine to form atomic nuclei; how quarks and their composites interact with the leptons and with each other; how we study these systems experimentally; and the exciting unanswered questions in this field of physics.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain the unified picture of quarks and leptons, hadrons, and atomic nuclei, and their basic properties and interactions; and

• solve and analyse problems in these areas by applying simple quantum mechanical reasoning.

In addition, students will enhance their ability to plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

Topics covered will be selected from: quarks and leptons; strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; symmetries and conservation laws; structure, models and properties of hadrons; structure, models and properties of nuclei; scattering and decay processes; accelerators; detectors; fission and fusion reactors; applications of nuclear and particle physics techniques; and other topics in sub-atomic physics of contemporary interest.

Tests totalling up to 2 hours and assignments totalling up to an equivalent of 3000 words during the semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

• B Povh et al, Particles and Nuclei: An Introduction to the Physical Concepts. 3rd edn, Springer-Verlag Berlin, 2002.