Illustration of a nuclear reaction | Image: Wikipedia
“Nuclear” isn’t all about power and electricity. Nuclear physicists study the nucleus of an atom; the protons and neutrons. And look at how these control the characters of an element. Where the nucleus emits radiation, we find radioactive materials. There materials can be used for a great many purposes in research, including power generation, medical treatments, archaeology, and detecting other molecules.
The scientists in this zone are looking at many different ways in which the particles of the nucleus are used. From studying the particles themselves, to using them to study other materials, and looking at the potential for and safety around nuclear power.
The scientists in this zone cover everything from using lasers and designing detectors to learn more about the Higgs Boson, to modeling nuclear disasters. There’s a scientist using “the power of the atom” to look inside containers to find illeagal goods, and one listening to the “sounds” that atoms and molecules can make.
From helping to unravel the complexities of nuclear physics to using nucleons as part of an experimental toolkit: What role do the particles of the nucleus play in research?