nuclear-physics

## What I do - Analyze nuclear structure and decay modes - Model nuclear reactions and fusion/fission - Calculate radioactive decay chains - Study particle detectors and radiation detection - Analyze nuclear binding energy and stability - Model nuclear shell structure ## When to use me When analyzing nuclear power, radiation therapy, or studying fundamental nuclear physics. ## Key Concepts - **Binding Energy**: BE = (Zm_p + Nm_n - M)c² holds nuclei together - **Radioactive Decay**: N(t) = N₀e^{-λt}, half-life T₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ - **Alpha Decay**: α particle emission, tunneling through Coulomb barrier - **Beta Decay**: Neutron → proton + electron + antineutrino - **Gamma Decay**: Excited nuclei emit high-energy photons - **Fission**: Heavy nuclei split, releasing energy (~200 MeV per event)