The application of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear data as a scientific contribution in Nuclear Physics teaching

Abstract

This paper presents a suggestion of a Nuclear Physics teaching activity in which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear data are used. The motivating theme is the understanding of the Physics in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Neutron-Induced fission of B-10, in ${}_5^{10}\text{B}{\left(\text{n},\alpha \right)}_3^7\text{Li}$ reaction, and gamma decay has been analyzed and discussed in this context. To understand the conceptual aspects of reaction energy, fission products – divided into two different energetic sets of particles –, and gamma radiation from the radioactive decay of the Li-7 isomeric state were used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Keywords:
nuclear fission; alpha decay; BNCT; ENDF; Live Chart of Nuclide; Smartphone