Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics and Technology I

This university textbook provides the first part of basic knowledge in nuclear physics and technology. It focuses on the correct understanding of the problematics of radioactivity of atomic nuclei. The textbook describes the structure and forces of atomic nuclei with background in standard model of elementary particles. It discusses the radioactive decay law as well as the activation of atomic nuclei. It offers the overview of stabilisation of radioactive nuclei via radioactive decay, gamma emission or spontaneous fission. At the end of individual chapters, students will find exercises for practicing their correct understanding of the discussed topics: the atomic nuclei, the radioactivity and the radioactive decays. All exercises are based on real examples with actual parameters of nuclei. The correct answers to problems can be found in the rear part of the textbook. The textbook also responds to the recent methods and knowledge in the field of nuclear physics and encourages the students to use the global databases involving latest results of world leading research centres in nuclear physics and technology. The textbook is primary dedicated to the students of nuclear power engineering and nuclear technology, but it can also enrich students of other study fields of natural science and technology, as well as the employees in the nuclear power engineering with a different background than nuclear.