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 insights
- Presents meticulous accounts of experiments and calculations used by pioneers to confirm their findings
Radioactivity: Introduction and History, From the Quantum to Quarks is an updated and much expanded Second Edition that provides an introduction to radioactivity and the building blocks of matter, the fundamental forces in nature, and the role of quarks and of force particles (gluons, photons, and the W± and Z0 bosons in nuclear decay). This book answers many questions for the student, teacher, and practitioner as to the origins, properties, detection and measurement, and everyday life applications of radioactivity in fields such as medicine, biological research, and industry. This new edition provides the reader with a much expanded historical account of the lives and major achievements of over 100 famous pioneers and Nobel Laureates who have contributed to our knowledge of the science of the atom, its structure, and nuclear stability and decay, starting with the discovery of X-rays in 1895 to the present. Written in a clear manner, it includes many calculations that are suitable for class work. Radioactivity also serves as a refresher for experienced practitioners who use nuclear science and radioactive sources in their field of work.
Key Features
- Delivers a detailed account of nuclear radiation―its origin and properties, the atom, its nucleus, and subatomic particles including quarks, leptons, and force carriers (bosons)
- Provides many solved problems that answer practical questions concerning nuclear decay, nuclear radiation, and the interaction of nuclear radiation with matter
- Includes fascinating biographies of the pioneers in the field, including captivating anecdotes and insights
- Presents meticulous accounts of experiments and calculations used by pioneers to confirm their findings
From the Reviews of the First Edition:
CHOICE Magazine, July 2008: "This work provides an overview of the many interesting aspects of the science of radioactive decays, including in-depth chapters that offer reminiscences on the history and important personalities of the field...The book can be useful as supplemental reading or as a reference when developing course material for nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, or health physics lectures. Special attention has been given to a chapter on the role radioactivity plays in everyday life applications...Generally the book is well produced and will be a valuable resource...Many lectures can be lightened up by including material from this work. Summing up: RECOMMENDED. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; technical program students." --U. Greife, Colorado School of Mines, USA
"I found the biographical accounts of the various stalwarts of Physics inspirational. Most of them, if not all, had to overcome economic hardships or personal tragedies or had to do their ground breaking work in the face of tyranny and war. The biographies also highlighted the high standards of moral convictions that the scientists had as they realized the grave implications of some of their work and the potential threat to humanity. This ought to inspire and motivate young men and women aspiring to be Physicists. Even people who have been in the field for a while should find your book re-energizing. It certainly had that effect on me." --Dr. Ramkumar Venkataraman, Canberra Industries, Inc., Meriden, CT, USA
About the Author:
Michael F. L’Annunziata earned his undergraduate B.Sc. degree in 1965 from St. Edward’s University and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 1967 and 1970 at the University of Arizona. His graduate thesis research in the 1960s dealt with the analysis of radionuclides and chemical remediation of the environment in the event of possible nuclear fallout. His main research interests are focused on the development of chemical and instrumental methods for the detection and measurement of radioactive nuclides and the utilization of radionuclides as tracers in biological research. L’Annunziata was formerly Head of Fellowships and Training at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, and he has served as a representative for the IAEA in fact-finding, planning, and implementation assignments on peaceful applications of nuclear energy for development in over 50 countries from 1976 to 2007. He is the author and editor of several books including Radionuclide Tracers: Their Detection and Measurement, published in 1987; and the Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis, now in its Third Edition, published in 2012. His biography has been included in the annual editions of Who’s Who in the World from 1987 to 2016.
