01
Nuclear Structure
Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons bound by the strong interaction and emergent nuclear forces. Their behavior is governed by quantum mechanics.
02
Radioactive Decay
N(t) = N₀e^{-λt}Radioactive decay is a stochastic process at the level of individual nuclei but follows predictable statistical laws for large ensembles.
03
Fission and Fusion
Nuclear fission releases energy by splitting heavy nuclei under suitable conditions. Nuclear fusion combines light nuclei into heavier nuclei and can release energy when the resulting nuclear configuration has greater binding per nucleon.