Calculating the Potential Well of Neutron Capture by the Strong Force

[edpell]

If I have a low energy neutron and I bring it close to a nucleus it will be captured when it gets close enough.

How can I calculate the shape of the potential well of the nucleus for neutron capture?

I keep reading that it is due to the strong force, which I agree with. But it is some kind of indirect strong force kind of like a van der waals force but for the strong force. Any references would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's difficult to calculate from first principles. Usually one takes it from experiment.