Wiktionary
n. (context physics atomic English) The branch of physics that studies the internal structure of atomic nuclei.
WordNet
n. the branch of physics that studies the internal structure of atomic nuclei [syn: nuclear physics, nucleonics]
Wikipedia
Atomic 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 weapons, 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 consisting of a nucleus and electrons — and nuclear physics, which considers atomic nuclei alone.
As with many scientific fields, strict delineation can be highly contrived and atomic physics is often considered in the wider context of atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Physics research groups are usually so classified.
Usage examples of "atomic physics".
I di know a lot about physics and nothing about mo atomic physics, aside from the stuff you read in Sunday supplements.
Doctor Destry included an assumption valid in molar physics, but for which we have absolutely no assurance in atomic physics.
And did not success in atomic physics (I thought) take place precisely in that area where the opportunity opened up for us to obtain the most destructive possible energy?
What he was denied, we are in a position to achieve to-day, provided we do not expect to succeed by methods similar to those of atomic physics, and do not look for similar results.
No doubt, the answer would lie in the atomic physics of the creatures brain, but there I have no hope.
No doubt, the answer would lie in the atomic physics of the creature’.
Only five had specific scientific backgrounds: two university professors of atomic physics and three bright fellows from something called The Manhattan Project.
Destry included an assumption valid in molar physics, but for which we have absolutely no assurance in atomic physics.
In the Third Degree, the laws of atomic physics break down slowly.
One of the finest minds atomic physics had ever known, a man to rank with Rutherford, Bohr, Heisenberg, Fermi, Meitner.