Nuclear Shell Model - Spin-parity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the spin-parity of excited states in the nuclear shell model, specifically for the radioisotope 17-F-9. The ground state has a spin-parity of j_P = (5/2)+, while the first excited state is j_P = (1/2)-. Two configurations are proposed for the excited state: promoting a p_1/2 proton to the d_5/2 shell or promoting a p_3/2 proton to the d_5/2 shell. The combination of angular momenta and parity multiplication principles are crucial for understanding the resulting spin-parity values.

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  • Nuclear shell model concepts
  • Angular momentum addition in quantum mechanics
  • Understanding of spin-parity notation
  • Familiarity with proton and neutron configurations in isotopes
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  • Study the nuclear shell model and its implications for spin-parity determination
  • Learn about angular momentum coupling techniques in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the significance of parity in nuclear physics
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Students and researchers in nuclear physics, particularly those studying the nuclear shell model and spin-parity configurations of isotopes.

Warr
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I am confused how to determine the spin / parity of excited states.

In my textbook, one of the questions states:

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The ground state of the radioisotope 17-F-9 has spin-parity j_P = (5/2)+ and the first excited state has j_P=(1/2)-. Suggest two possible configurations for the latter state.

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Here is the answer in the back:

The configuration of the ground state is:

protons: (1s_\frac{1}{2})^2(1p_\frac{3}{2})^4(1p_\frac{1}{2})^2(1d_\frac{5}{2})
neutrons:(1s_\frac{1}{2})^2(1p_\frac{3}{2})^4(1p_\frac{1}{2})^2

To get j_P= (1/2)-, one could promote a p_1/2 proton to the d_5/2 shell giving

protons: (1s_\frac{1}{2})^2(1p_\frac{3}{2})^4(1p_\frac{1}{2})^{-1}(1d_\frac{5}{2})^2

Then by the pairing hypothesis, the two d_5/2 protons could give j_P = 0+ so that the total spin-parity would be determined by the unpaired p_1/2 neutron (j_P=(1/2)-).

Alternatively, one of the p_3/2 protons could be promoted to the d_5/2 shell, giving

protons: protons: (1s_\frac{1}{2})^2(1p_\frac{3}{2})^{-1}(1p_\frac{1}{2})^2(1d_\frac{5}{2})^2

and the two d_5/2 protons could combine to give j_P = 2+, so that when this combines with the single unpaired j_P = 3/2- proton, the overall spin is j_P = 1/2-

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So here are two things I am confused about:

Firstly, how can the two d_5/2 protons combine to have j_P = 0+ in the first case and j_P = 2+ in the second case?

Secondly, how is it that in the second case, the spin-parity ends up being j_P = 1/2-. Is it that the parities of the two are multiplied (ie the parity of the two d_5/2 protons is 1+ and the parity of the unpaired p_3/2 proton is 1-, giving an overall parity of 1-, and then the spin is 2 - 3/2 = 1/2? I don't really get how that works).

If I can understand this I may be able to even get started on the homework.
 
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This has been posted twice, not ok!

Yes parties are multiplied.

And according to angular momenta addition , you can combine two J = 5/2 to a total J by anything from 0 to 5.
 
Sorry about the 2x post. I posted here first, and then figured this might not be quite suitable in the homework forum.

Thanks for the answer though.
 
there are people that moves threads etc. So next time, just don't do anything.
 
One further question for this example:

Since the resulting j_P = 2+ and j_P = 3/2- can result in (2-3/2)=(1/2)-, does that mean they can result in the range (5/2)- to (1/2)- ?
 
I don't understand you here. A single particle can not have an integer spin in the shell model.
 
What I meant is, can it have either (5/2)-, (3/2)- or (1/2)- ?
 
Coupling angular momenta j1 = 2 with j2 = 3/2 can give you:

7/2, 5/2, 3/2, 1/2

Parity is negative, since +*- = -
 
Alright, thanks again.
 

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