[ RadSafe ] Atomic reactions VS Nuclear reactions.

[Geo>K0FF]

"Atomic physics (or atom physics) is the field of physics that studies atoms as an isolated system of electrons and an atomic nucleus. It is primarily concerned with the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus and the processes by which these arrangements change. This includes ions as well as neutral atoms and, unless otherwise stated, for the purposes of this discussion it should be assumed that the term atom includes ions.
The term atomic physics is often associated with nuclear power and nuclear bombs, due to the synonymous use of atomic and nuclear in standard English. However, physicists distinguish between atomic physics-which deals with the atom as a system comprising of a nucleus and electrons, and nuclear physics-which considers atomic nuclei alone."



Nuclear reactions are those involving the nucleus. Pretty simple idea.



Atomic reactions are those involving the atom as a whole. That includes chemical reactions of course. Sorry. 



The populous masses get their science from Popular Mechanics magazine, so the nuclear bomb will forever be tagged Atomic Bomb in the English popular language. 





I'm going to go grab a Pop Mechanics magazine and a beer, go watch football and smoke a cigar, and fry something, just to see what it feels like. 

Or not.



No response required.

George Dowell