Nuclear Physics is the study of nuclear energy and how it is used as both a power source and as a weapon. There is immense power locked up inside atoms, and nuclear physics is a way to utilize that energy for useful purposes.  Nuclear power can be used as both a power source and a dangerous weapon.  AOIS studies both.

 

As with our other departments, we take research trips to study Nuclear Physics.  We've visited several sites that have been affected by nuclear reactions or weapons, as well as other facilities that study Nuclear Physics.  We also conduct VERY minor experiments (though the photo above is not one we have done).

 

Funding for the Nuclear Physics department comes from UC Berkeley and other nuclear research facilities.  Over 50 different science museums with information on nuclear physics send about 20% of their profit to us.