Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Code: FIS14147L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Physics

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

An introduction to the fundamental ideas and concepts of the description of matter at the atomic and subatomic level.

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

The objective is to provide an introduction to the fundamental ideas and concepts of the description of matter at the atomic and subatomic level. The students should understand the methods of research in this area and learn about the most important practical applications. They should acquire the skills to solve simple problems.

Brief review of the principles of quantum mechanics. Rutherford scattering and the structure of atoms. The hydrogen atom in quantum mechanics. Orbital angular momentum and spin. The Pauli principle. Multi-electron atoms and the periodic table of the elements. The X-ray spectrum. The laser and its applications.
General properties and models of nuclei. Nuclear reactions. Radioactivity. Applications of Nuclear Physics. Particle detection. Accelerators. Properties and interactions of elementary particles. Symmetries and conservation laws. The Standard Model of Particle Physics.

Teaching Methods

Theory classes and and problem solving classes, whenever possible with demonstration experiments. The objective will be to create a learning environment in which the students actively participate, both through the discussion of questions they may raise and through the solution of exercise problems.

Assessment methods: Either two optional tests or a final exam are held. Each of the tests contributes 50% of the final grade, and access to the second test requires a minimum grade of 8 points in the first test. A second exam can be held during the appeals period.