Form factors for medium and heavy nuclei

Abstract

We have analysed elastic electron scattering differential cross section data and interpreted them in terms of nuclear form factors. We conclude that the surface thickness of the proton distribution is smaller than had previously been thought and that there is some evidence that the proton density is depressed at the centre of the nucleus for nuclides in the region A [similar, equals] 58. The evidence from scattering by neighbouring nuclei also indicates that there is little difference, if any, between the proton and neutron distributions, and that the nuclear compressibility is the same in the region A [similar, equals] 58 and in the region of heavy nuclei.