By Hans Paetz gen. Schieck
IOP Publishing
Nuclear physics has seen enormous developments in the last century. The study of nuclear reactions has given fundamental insights into the nature of the forces that act within nuclei and on the structure of nuclides.
This book traces the history of the development of nuclear physics by reviewing key experiments that have shaped our understanding of the field. It is interesting to look back to the beginning and discover how crucial results were obtained by very simple means, and how the sophisticated and complex experiments of today came about. Experiments are described in detail and their outcomes are discussed. In some cases, original drawings are included, accompanied by new figures and plots when needed.
The theoretical background to the experiments is also given, but is kept concise. Nevertheless, the reader can refer to the references at the end of each chapter for a more in-depth treatment of individual subjects.
Besides drawing on the history of experiments and related discoveries, the book shows how misinterpretations and prejudices in some cases prevented or delayed fundamental breakthroughs.
