Shell model determining spin and parity

In summary, the shell model is used to determine the spin and parity of a nucleus. For _{20}^{41}Ca, there is an odd number of neutrons in the 1f(7/2) level, giving a spin of 7/2 and a parity of -. For _{20}^{40}Ca, the unpaired neutron and proton are both in the 1d(3/2) level, resulting in a spin of 3 and a parity of +. This is due to the full shell of Ca-40, which cannot contribute to spin. However, for a nucleus like _{21}^{42}X with an odd neutron and proton in the 1f_{7
  • #1
Confundo
39
0
shell model determining spin and parity - urgent

Homework Statement



Find the spin and parity of [tex] _{20}^{41}Ca [/tex] and [tex]_{20}^{40}Ca [/tex]

Homework Equations



http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Nuclear/shell.html


The Attempt at a Solution



For [tex]_{20}^{41}Ca [/tex]we've an odd number of neutrons which will lie in 1f(7/2) level
so we have spin 7/2 and parity -

For [tex]_{20}^{40}Ca [/tex] both the unpaired neutron and proon will be in the 1d(3/2) level which has parity +, do I need to add together the two spins in this level. So I'd get spin 3 with parity +.
 
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  • #2
Thinking about it since the shell is full it can't contribute to spin.
 
  • #3
Ca-40 has two closed shells, and since then it should have 0+ according to the shell model, right?
 
  • #4
Confundo said:
Thinking about it since the shell is full it can't contribute to spin.

Yes, I think.

If we had something like [tex]_{21}^{42}X[/tex]. Then we'd have an odd neutron and odd proton in the [tex]1f_{7/2}[/tex], the spins would add and we'd have spin 7 and parity -1?
 
  • #5
why negative parity?
 
  • #6
Oh yeah. Should multiply the parities and thus get positive parity right? Basically the angular momentums are "parallel".
 
  • #7
You can also have J_tot = 6,5,4,3,2,1,0.

Remember how to add two angular momenta.
 

Related to Shell model determining spin and parity

1. What is the shell model?

The shell model is a theoretical framework used in nuclear physics to describe the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei. It is based on the concept of energy shells, similar to those found in the electron configuration of atoms, and explains the arrangement of protons and neutrons within a nucleus.

2. How does the shell model determine spin and parity?

The shell model determines the spin and parity of a nucleus by considering the number of protons and neutrons in each energy shell. The spin arises from the intrinsic angular momentum of the particles, while the parity is determined by the spatial symmetry of the nucleus.

3. What is spin?

Spin is a fundamental property of particles, including protons and neutrons, that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is quantized into discrete values and can affect the behavior and interactions of particles within a nucleus.

4. What is parity?

Parity is a measure of the spatial symmetry of a nucleus. It is used to describe how a nucleus would appear when viewed from different angles. Parity can be positive or negative, depending on whether the nucleus is symmetrical or asymmetrical, respectively.

5. How do experiments verify the spin and parity predicted by the shell model?

Experiments, such as scattering experiments or gamma-ray spectroscopy, can be used to measure the properties of a nucleus, including its spin and parity. These measurements can then be compared to the predictions of the shell model to verify its accuracy and make adjustments to improve its predictive power.

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