2 - NUCLEAR MODELS

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the main features of different nuclear models and to considers how far each model can be regarded as representing a particular aspect of an integrated picture of the nucleus. The nuclear models throw light on the qualitative behavior of a nucleus under various experimental conditions. They help in understanding the theoretical basis for nuclear structure. The chapter describes nuclear shell model in its simplest form of independent particle motion. This form is applicable to certain ground-state properties of most nuclei, and provides the basis of the shell characteristics of nuclei. The principal refinements of the shell model are presented in the chapter. These include: (1) the consideration of residual two-body interactions, which leads to a description of the properties of low-lying excited states of nuclei near closed shells, (2) the spheroidal shell model, which extends the model to describe nuclear quadrupole moments, and (3) the use of momentum-dependent single-particle potentials, which permits the model to provide a true representation of total nuclear energy.