INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR REACTIONS 2ED (HB 2021) Hardcover

The first edition of Introduction to Nuclear Reactions was published in 2004, filling a gap in available introductory resources on nuclear reactions. Now, fully updated, this second edition continues to offer a comprehensive overview of nuclear reactions. It covers the core formalism, from basic principles to advanced formulas used in academic research to calculate measurable quantities. The authors, experts in their respective fields, begin with an accessible introduction to scattering theory, followed by its application to various nuclear reactions. The initial chapters lay out the concepts of compound nucleus formation, decay, fusion, fission, and direct reactions in a way that's easy for beginners to grasp. These chapters also illustrate the fundamental physical ideas discussed later in the book. The main section delves into physical models that explain nuclear reaction phenomena, including reactions in stellar environments, cosmic rays, and the early universe during the big bang. The final chapters cover applications of the eikonal wavefunction and nuclear transport equations in high-energy nuclear reactions. By combining theoretical insights with real-world experimental data, Introduction to Nuclear Reactions helps readers interpret experimental results, rather than focusing solely on how measurements are made. The book is structured in a clear and coherent manner, making it accessible to students and professionals with a strong foundation in physics, as well as those with a broader science and technology background.