What is Nuclear physics?
'''Nuclear physics''' is the part of [[physics]] that studies the [[nucleus (physics)|nucleus]] of the [[atom]]. Everything on the earth is made up of atoms; they are the smallest part of a [[chemical element]] that still has the properties of that specific element. When two or more [[atom]]s combine they create what we know as the [[molecule]], which is the smallest part of a [[chemical compound]] which still has the properties of that specific compound. Understanding the [[structure]] of atoms is key in studies such as [[physics]], [[chemistry]], [[biology]], etc. [[File:CNO Cycle.svg|thumb|Diagram of the CNO Cycle.]] == Atoms == === Structure === Atoms are made up of [[electron]]s, [[neutron]]s, and [[proton]]s. The protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom, which is called the [[Nucleus (physics)|nucleus]]. The protons and neutrons are the heaviest part of the atom and make up most of its [[mass]]. The electrons move around the nucleus very quickly, making what is called an [[electron cloud]]. The electron cloud has a very small mass, but it makes up most of the space of the atom. The electrons have a negative charge, and the protons have a positive [[Electric charge|charge]]. Due to the charges in the atom, that is how the atom stays together, by attraction of the electric charges present in the atom. === Properties === [[File:ScientificLinux-Logo.gif|thumb|Model of atom.]]Atoms have different features that single out one atom from another, and show how each atom can change in different conditions. These properties include [[atomic number]], [[mass number]], atomic mass and weight, and [[isotope]]s. === Forces acting === In an [[atom]] there are three fundamental forces that keep atoms together. [[electromagnetic force]], [[strong nuclear force]], and [[weak nuclear force]]. The electromagnetic force keeps the electrons attached to the atom. The strong nuclear force keeps the [[proton]]s and [[neutron]]s together in the nucleus. The weak nuclear force controls how the atom decays. === Quantum