Branch of physics dealing with the structure of the atomic nucleus and radiation from unstable nuclei.
A principal research tool of nuclear physics is a high-energy beam of particles, such as electrons , directed as projectiles against nuclear targets. By analyzing the directions and energies of the recoiling particles and any resulting nuclear fragments, nuclear physicists can obtain details of nuclear structure, the {{link=strong force">strong force that binds nuclear components together, and the release of energy from the nucleus.