Nuclear structure

Nuclear Structure

The nuclear structure refers to the arrangement of protons and neutrons (collectively known as nucleons) within an atomic nucleus. The study of nuclear structure is a key component of nuclear physics, a branch of physics that deals with the constituents, structure, behavior and interactions of atomic nuclei.

Composition of the Nucleus

The nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons, which are held together by the nuclear force. This is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is significantly stronger than the electromagnetic force, but it has a much shorter range.

Protons

Protons are positively charged particles found within the nucleus. The number of protons in a nucleus determines the atomic number of an atom, which in turn determines the chemical element of the atom.

Neutrons

Neutrons are particles found within the nucleus that carry no net electric charge. The number of neutrons in a nucleus determines the isotope of an atom.

Nuclear Models

Several models have been proposed to explain the structure of the nucleus, including the liquid drop model, the nuclear shell model, and the collective model.

Liquid Drop Model

The liquid drop model is a model that describes the nucleus as a drop of incompressible nuclear fluid. This model is able to explain many experimental results related to nuclear binding energy.

Nuclear Shell Model

The nuclear shell model is a model that describes the nucleus as a series of closed shells and subshells of nucleons. This model is able to explain the distribution of isotopes observed in nature.

Collective Model

The collective model is a model that describes the nucleus as a collective motion of protons and neutrons. This model is able to explain the high spin states of certain nuclei.

See Also

• Atomic structure
• Nuclear reactions
• Nuclear decay
• Nuclear fusion
• Nuclear fission