Nuclear Physics

1. Nuclear Reactions
   1. Reaction Types
      1. Fusion
         1. Overview of Fusion Processes
         2. Conditions for Fusion
            1. Temperature Requirements
            2. Pressure and Density Conditions
         3. Confinement Methods
            1. Magnetic Confinement
            2. Inertial Confinement
            3. Gravity Confinement (Natural)
         4. Specific Fusion Cycles
            1. Proton-Proton Chain
               1. Stages of the Proton-Proton Chain
               2. Importance in Stellar Environments
            2. CNO Cycle
               1. Detailed Steps and Reaction Pathways
               2. Role in Massive Stars
            3. D-T Fusion (Deuterium-Tritium)
               1. Reaction Products
               2. Practical Applications and Challenges
      2. Fission
         1. Mechanisms of Fission
            1. Induced vs. Spontaneous Fission
            2. Fission Fragment Distribution
         2. Energy Release and Neutron Production
            1. Calculation of Energy Output
            2. Fission Cross Section Analysis
         3. Chain Reactions
            1. Concept of Criticality
            2. Control Mechanisms in Reactors
      3. Neutron Capture
         1. Types of Neutron Capture
            1. Radiative Capture
            2. Charged-Particle Induced Capture
         2. Applications
            1. Nuclear Transmutation
            2. Reactor Fuel Cycle Implications
         3. Impact on Element Formation
            1. r-process Involvement
            2. Neutron Capture Cross Sections
      4. Photodisintegration
         1. Definition and Mechanisms
         2. Role in Astrophysical Environments
         3. Effects on Nuclear Stability
   2. Cross Sections
      1. Definition and Importance
      2. Measurement Techniques
         1. Experimental Methods
         2. Theoretical Models
      3. Factors Affecting Cross Sections
         1. Energy Dependence
         2. Angular Distribution
   3. Reaction Mechanisms
      1. Direct Reactions
         1. Characteristics and Dynamics
         2. Example Reactions
         3. Applications and Implications
      2. Compound Nucleus Formation
         1. Lifespan and Decay of Compound Nucleus
         2. Statistical Models and Predictions
         3. Experimental Observations and Challenges
   4. Reaction Kinetics and Dynamics
      1. Reaction Rate Theories
         1. Transition State Theory
         2. Classical and Quantum Mechanical Approaches
      2. Factors Influencing Reaction Rates
         1. Temperature and Energy Dependence
         2. Pressure Effects
      3. Analysis of Reaction Pathways
         1. Intermediate Steps and Transitions
         2. Energy Profiles of Nuclear Reactions