Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

How can light sometimes act as a wave and sometimes as a particle? Understanding this duality is the gateway to modern physics and unlocks the secrets of the atom. By completing this course, you will master the foundational theories of atomic and nuclear structure, allowing you to confidently analyze energy states, radioactive decay, and wave-particle interactions. What you'll learn: * Understand the Photoelectric effect and Planck's quantum theory for the quantization of light energy. * Apply the de Broglie hypothesis to quantify wave-particle duality in matter. * Analyze atomic structure, energy levels, and spectral lines using the Rutherford and Bohr models. * Calculate nuclear properties including mass defect, binding energy, and half-life in radioactive decay. * Master the fundamental concepts behind nuclear fission, fusion, and the stability of isotopes. * Practice solving typical problems related to energy transitions and momentum conservation in quantum phenomena. This text-based course begins with the quantum nature of light and matter, progresses through detailed atomic models, and concludes with a thorough exploration of nuclear physics and radioactivity. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in physics, engineering, or scientific fundamentals. No prior advanced knowledge of quantum mechanics is required. Start building your strong foundation in modern physics today.