Radioactivity: Introduction and History, From the Quantum to Quarks

A recipient of the PROSE 2017 Honorable Mention in Chemistry & Physics, Radioactivity: Introduction and History, From the Quantum to Quarks, Second Edition provides a greatly expanded overview of radioactivity from natural and artificial sources on earth, radiation of cosmic origins, and an introduction to the atom and its nucleus. The book also includes historical accounts of the lives, works, and major achievements of many famous pioneers and Nobel Laureates from 1895 to the present.

These leaders in the field have contributed to our knowledge of the science of the atom, its nucleus, nuclear decay, and subatomic particles that are part of our current knowledge of the structure of matter, including the role of quarks, leptons, and the bosons (force carriers).

Users will find a completely revised and greatly expanded text that includes all new material that further describes the significant historical events on the topic dating from the 1950s to the present.

Provides a detailed account of nuclear radiation – its origin and properties, the atom, its nucleus, and subatomic particles including quarks, leptons, and force carriers (bosons)Includes fascinating biographies of the pioneers in the field, including captivating anecdotes and insightsPresents meticulous accounts of experiments and calculations used by pioneers to confirm their findings

1. Radioactivity and Our Well-Being 2. Basic Concepts and Definitions 3. Hall of Fame: Part I 4. Alpha Radiation 5. Hall of Fame: Part II 6. Beta Radiation and Beta Decay 7. Hall of Fame: Part III 8. Electromagnetic Radiation: Photons 9. Hall of Fame: Part IV 10. Neutron Radiation 11. Hall of Fame: Part V 12. Atomic Electron Radiation 13. Hall of Fame: Part VI 14. Cosmic Radiation 15. Hall of Fame: Part VII 16. Cherenkov Radiation 17. Hall of Fame: Part VIII 18. Radionuclide Decay, Radioactivity Units, and Radionuclide Mass 19. Hall of Fame: Part IX 20. The Atomic Nucleus 21. Hall of Fame: Part X 22. The Atom as We Know and Use It