Does Equal Proton and Neutron Count Define an Isoscalar Nucleus?

[krishna mohan]

What is an isoscalar nucleus?

I guess it should be a nucleus with isospin T=0.

In the place where I encountered it, it seems to refer to a nucleus with equal number of neutrons and protons. An isoscalar target should necessarily have equal number of neutrons and protons. But as far as I can see, equal number of neutrons and protons does not mean an isoscalar target.

Is that right, or am I missing something?

 

[Vanadium 50]

No, you're right. An isoscalar target should be one with T=0, but in fact, it means "same number of neutrons as protons". That's just the way things are.

 

[sir-pinski]

Your understanding is correct. An isoscalar nucleus is a nucleus with an isospin of 0, meaning it has the same number of protons and neutrons. This is because isospin, a quantum number used in nuclear physics, is related to the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus. So, an isoscalar nucleus has equal numbers of both, resulting in an isospin of 0.

However, it is important to note that not all nuclei with equal numbers of protons and neutrons are necessarily isoscalar. This is because there are other factors that can affect isospin, such as the spin and orbital angular momentum of the particles. So, while equal numbers of protons and neutrons are a necessary condition for an isoscalar nucleus, it is not the only factor that determines it.

Hope this clarifies your understanding of isoscalar nuclei.