Best Atomic & Nuclear Physics Books of 2025

The AFOQT Study Guide: Air Force Officer Qualifying Test Prep Book (2023-2024) is a comprehensive guide by experienced educators at Military Prep Academy that covers every section of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. The book includes over 300 practice test questions and a detailed answer guide that explains how to arrive at the correct answer. Exam Success 2.0, a section of the book, provides expert tips and strategies to help readers maximize their test preparation and do their best on test day. This study guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning on taking the AFOQT.

Quantum Physics for Beginners by Carl J. Pratt is an excellent introduction to the complex world of quantum physics. The author skillfully explains the basic principles of quantum mechanics in a simplified manner without overwhelming the reader with complex math. The book covers various topics such as wave-particle duality, quantum entanglement, and quantum fields theory, among others. The author also discusses the real-world applications of quantum physics, including quantum computing and ultra-precise clocks. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about quantum physics, even those without a background in physics.

The Atom: A Visual Tour by Jack Challoner is an informative and engaging guide to the smallest and most fundamental constituent of matter. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the basic structure of atoms to the power of the atomic nucleus and the mysterious quantum realm of subatomic particles. Illustrated in color throughout, this book offers clear answers to questions we have all pondered and describes the amazing discoveries scientists have made about the fundamental building blocks of matter. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the topic that is accessible and straightforward, making it a great read for anyone interested in the subject.

If you've ever been curious about how a nuclear power station works, "How to Drive a Nuclear Reactor" by Colin Tucker is the book for you. It covers the science behind nuclear reactors, their start-up, operation, and shutdown, as well as the different types of reactors and their history. Written from the viewpoint of a trainee operator on a Pressurised Water Reactor, this book strikes the perfect balance between technical detail and easily understandable explanations. It's an excellent read for anyone interested in a more in-depth understanding of nuclear reactors. Overall, it's a well-written, informative, and engaging book that is sure to pique your interest in this fascinating subject.

Particle Physics Brick by Brick: Atomic and Subatomic Physics Explained... in LEGO is a fascinating book that uses LEGO® bricks to explain the building blocks of the universe. It introduces the Standard Model of Physics and assigns a colored LEGO® brick to each atomic element, making particle physics easy to comprehend. This book is a concise introduction to the atomic world and its elements, making it perfect for anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of the subject. The use of tangible substitutes, like bricks, brings the unseen atomic world into the realm of the visual. Overall, this book is a unique and entertaining way to learn about atomic and subatomic physics.

The Construction of Spin Eigenfunctions: An Exercise Book is a practical introduction to the subject, focusing on the construction of spin eigenfunctions and their relation to the use of many-electron antisymmetric wavefunctions. The book covers the theory of the symmetric group and its representations generated by different spin eigenfunctions, along with the calculation of matrix elements of the Hamiltonian using various constructions of the spin functions. The closing chapter introduces the spin-coupled valence bond method. The book is unique in that it includes many examples and exercises to illustrate the different methods. Overall, it is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers interested in physical chemistry and quantum chemical applications.

The Collected Works of Eugene Paul Wigner: Historical, Philosophical, and Socio-Political Papers is a compilation of essays by E.P. Wigner, one of the most prominent physicists of the 20th century. This volume offers readers a unique opportunity to explore Wigner's opinions on a wide range of topics, including philosophy, politics, and sociology, in addition to his contributions to physics. Published by Springer, this book is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the life and work of this remarkable scientist.

Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Third Edition, provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to nuclear science concepts, including nuclear power, medicine, propulsion, and radiation detection. The book is ideal for undergraduate students as a first course in nuclear engineering, with appropriate chapter problems that give students good practice examples. The Third Edition features updated coverage of the newest nuclear reactor designs, fusion reactors, radiation health risks, and expanded discussion of basic reactor physics with added examples. Highly recommended as an introductory level book to college students and professionals.

Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane is a comprehensive text that provides a solid introduction to basic nuclear physics, including nuclear reactions, nuclear decays, and nuclear structure. This book is unique in its emphasis on real experiments and phenomenology, providing students with a better understanding of current literature. The author's use of examples to reinforce discussions of theory makes the text more accessible to students with minimal background in mathematics or quantum theory. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of nuclear physics.

This book provides a comprehensive insight into the neutronics of advanced nuclear systems, covering a wide range of topics from theoretical methodologies to experimental designs. The author's decades of experience and research work are reflected in the book, which focuses on the unique challenges posed by advanced nuclear systems, such as complex geometry and nuclear physics. The book introduces novel neutron transport methodologies and high-fidelity calculation software for nuclear design, safety evaluation, and high-intensity neutron source technologies for neutronics experiments. The book is an excellent resource for nuclear engineers, physicists, and researchers interested in advanced nuclear systems and their neutronics characteristics.