The semi-empirical mass formula (SEMF) and the liquid drop model are both used to describe the properties of atomic nuclei. The liquid drop model serves as a foundational concept, representing the nucleus as a drop of incompressible nuclear fluid, while the SEMF builds on this model by incorporating additional factors like surface energy and asymmetry. The SEMF provides a more detailed calculation of nuclear binding energy compared to the simpler liquid drop model. The liquid drop model predates the SEMF, which was developed to refine its predictions. Understanding these concepts is essential for studying nuclear physics and the stability of nuclei.
