Fall 2016: Lecture 3 Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reaction notation is introduced. Reaction energetics, mechanisms and types are described. Nuclear reaction cross sections and their use are described. The stellar production of elements is presented in terms of nuclear reactions. The role of nuclear reactions is discussed and evaluated. The different processes involved in the formation of isotopes is provided. The relationship between nuclear and chemical properties is presented. Stellar nucleosynthesis of elements if discussed in terms of the presented nuclear reactions. This lecture is in two parts.