Atomic Physics:

Introduction:

The branch of physics known as "atomic physics" focuses on the study of atoms as separate systems made up of electrons and atomic nuclei. Usually, the term "atomic physics" refers to the study of atomic structure and interatomic interactions.  The arrangement of electrons surrounding the nucleus and the mechanisms by which this arrangement changes are its main topics of interest. It is presumed that the term "atom" includes ions unless specifically specified that this consists of ions and neutral atoms.

 

Atomic Physics

Due to the synonymy between the terms "atomic" and "nuclear" in common English, the word "atomic physics" can be linked to both nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Atomic physics, which examines the atom as a system made up of a nucleus and electrons, is distinguished from nuclear physics, which examines nuclear reactions and unique characteristics of atomic nuclei.

 

In atomic physics, as in many other scientific disciplines, rigorous demarcation is sometimes viewed in the broader perspective of atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Typically, physics research groups fall within this category.

 

The Past & Current Events:

The realisation that matter is made up of atoms was one of the first steps towards atomic physics. It appears in literature from the sixth to the second century BC, including those by Democritus and Kanad's Vaisheshika Sutra. The British chemist and physicist John Dalton later extended this theory in the 18th century, defining the basic unit of a chemical element in the current meaning. Although atoms could be characterised and categorised based on their characteristics, their exact nature remained still unknown at this point (in bulk). Another significant development was the creation of the periodic system of elements by Mendeleev.

 

The discovery of spectral lines and subsequent attempts to explain the phenomena, most notably by Joseph von Fraunhofer, mark the genuine beginning of atomic physics. The Bohr atom model and the development of quantum mechanics were the results of the study of these lines. An totally new mathematical model of matter was discovered in the process of attempting to explain atomic spectra. The atomic orbital model, a better overall description of atoms and their electron shells, was produced as a result, and it also gave chemistry (quantum chemistry) and spectroscopy a new theoretical foundation.

 

Atomic Physics

Both theoretical and experimental sciences have advanced quickly since the Second World War. This can be ascribed to advancements in computing technology, which have made it possible to create larger and more complex models of atomic structure and the collision processes that go along with them. Similar technological developments have substantially aided experimental work in accelerators, detectors, magnetic field generators, and lasers.