1: Introduction to nuclear physics. 25695. Paola Cappellaro. Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT OpenCourseWare. In this chapter, we review some basic notations and concepts in nuclear physics. The chapter aims to establish a common language for the rest of the material we will cover as well as the emerging questions we will answer later. 1.2: Binding energy and semi-empirical mass formula 1.3: Radioactive decayThe science of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is a form of energy released by the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This energy source can be produced in two ways, 31.1: Nuclear Radioactivity. The discovery and study of nuclear radioactivity quickly revealed the existence of revolutionary new physics. In addition, the uses of nuclear radiation also emerged rapidly. For example, people like Ernest Rutherford used it to determine core size and devices were painted with radon-doped paint to,