The terms "atomic" and "nuclear" are related to the field of physics and are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the study of matter and energy.
Atomic refers to the structure and behavior of atoms, which are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms consist of a nucleus at the center, which is made up of protons and neutrons, and electrons orbiting around the nucleus. Atomic physics focuses on understanding the properties and interactions of atoms, such as their electronic structure, energy levels, and chemical reactions. It also encompasses topics like atomic spectroscopy, atomic theory, and atomic models.
On the other hand, nuclear refers to the study of the nucleus itself and the processes involving nuclear reactions and nuclear energy. Nuclear physics examines the properties, structure, and behavior of atomic nuclei, which are composed of protons and neutrons. It investigates nuclear reactions, such as nuclear fission (the splitting of a nucleus) and nuclear fusion (the combining of nuclei), as well as radioactive decay. Nuclear physics is particularly concerned with understanding the strong and weak nuclear forces, which are responsible for the interactions between particles within the atomic nucleus.
In summary, atomic physics deals with the behavior of atoms, while nuclear physics focuses on the properties and processes of atomic nuclei.