What Determines the Parity of Deuteron Spin and Parity?

In summary, the observed parity of + for deuteron means that the orbital angular momentum quantum number, l, is even (0 or 2) and s=1. However, for odd-odd nuclei, the parity is given by the product of the parities of the two odd shells, and in the case of a neutron, there is no closed shell, resulting in only one orbital wavefunction and one factor of -1L. This means that l=0 or 2 is more favorable for the neutron and proton to have the same spin.
  • #1
UniPhysics90
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Deuteron is given by j(p)=1(+)

In my textbook it says that the observed parity of + for deuteron means that the orbital angular momentum quantum number, l, is even so is 0 or 2, and s=1.

However, looking back the textbook also says that for odd-odd nuclei, the parity is given by the product of the parities of the two odd shells by p=(-1)^l. If l was 1 in this case, for both cases, wouldn't this give a even parity to the nucleus? Then as j=1, s=0.

I've read somewhere (probably wikipedia) that it's preferable for the neutron and proton to have the same spin, which would mean l=0 or 2 is more favourable, but the book definitely makes it sound that it is the parity you can deduce l from.

Any help would be really appreciated!
 
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  • #2
What they have in mind for odd-odd nuclei is a situation in which two individual nucleons orbit about a closed shell of other nucleons. In that case, each of the two contributes an orbital wavefunction and the parity receives a factor of -1L for each particle. But in the case of a neutron there is no closed shell, the n and p just orbit each other. So there's only one orbital wavefunction and one factor of -1L.
 

1. What is the deuteron spin and parity?

The deuteron is a bound state of a proton and a neutron, and its spin and parity refer to the intrinsic angular momentum and parity, respectively, of this composite particle. In other words, it describes the orientation and symmetry of the deuteron's internal structure.

2. How is the spin of the deuteron determined?

The spin of the deuteron is determined by the spins of its constituent particles, the proton and the neutron. Since the proton has a spin of 1/2 and the neutron has a spin of 1/2, the deuteron's spin can be either 1 or 0, depending on how the spins of the proton and the neutron are combined.

3. What is the parity of the deuteron?

The parity of the deuteron is determined by the parity of its constituent particles. Since both the proton and the neutron have a parity of +1, the deuteron has a positive parity as well.

4. Why is the deuteron's spin and parity important in nuclear physics?

The deuteron's spin and parity play a crucial role in understanding the nuclear force and the structure of the atomic nucleus. The deuteron's spin, in particular, is used to classify different types of nuclear reactions, as well as to study the properties of nuclear matter.

5. How is the deuteron's spin and parity measured?

The deuteron's spin and parity can be measured through various experiments, such as scattering experiments and nuclear reactions. These experiments involve studying the interactions of the deuteron with other particles, and analyzing the resulting data to determine the spin and parity of the deuteron.

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