Elementary Nuclear Theory: Second Edition (Dover Books on Physics) [Paperback]

Hans A. Bethe (Author), Philip Morrison (Author), Physics (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486450481 | ISBN-13: 978-0486450483 | Publication Date: April 14, 2006 | Edition: 2

This compact treatment of the basic theory of nuclear forces, structures, and reactions bases its explanations almost entirely on the familiar results of nonrelativistic quantum theory. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, it presents careful and concise discussions of experimental ideas.

28 illustrations. 1956 edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 2 edition (April 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486450481
• ISBN-13: 978-0486450483
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,302 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a definitive treatment of nuclear theory, July 4, 2006

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Nuclear Theory: Second Edition (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

This 2nd edition comes 50 years after the 1st edition. Much of the material appears unchanged. Bethe died only last year [2005]. But in 1956, he was already one of the giants in physics due to his massive contributions to the study of the nucleus.

The book lacks the rich illustrations typical of current textbooks. But if you can ignore that, then it provides for a definitive education in our understanding of the nucleus. It is suitable for an undergrad reader who has done an earlier course in quantum mechanics. By the very nature of nuclear interactions, most of the discussion is outside the realm of classical mechanics, and you do need that quantum background.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good reference book, April 19, 2008

By 

R. Bagula "Roger L. Bagula" (Lakeside, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Nuclear Theory: Second Edition (Dover Books on Physics) (Paperback)

I actually have a better book written about the same time:
Rosenfeld, Léon (1948). Nuclear Forces. Interscience Publishers, New York, xvii. which I found used and could barely read for the last 30 years.
I think maybe the Bethe book is less technical and easier to read.
I should have read the Bethe on before the Rosenfeld as he spoiled Bethe's book for me. Rosenfeld has equation I still can really understand, but I know his book is in more depth and has the equations
and interpretation Bethe left out.
But I think it is a good starter book!