Relation between nuclear shape and it spin number

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between nuclear shape and spin number in NMR studies, particularly regarding quadrupole interactions. It establishes that spins larger than 1/2 exhibit non-spherical charge distributions, which interact with external electric fields. The Wigner-Eckhart Theorem is highlighted as a key concept linking nuclear spin to shape, indicating that spin-1/2 systems have a spherical shape while higher spins correspond to more complex geometries. The example provided illustrates that a spin-1/2 system cannot possess a quadrupole moment, reinforcing the connection between spin and nuclear shape.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) principles
  • Familiarity with the Wigner-Eckhart Theorem
  • Knowledge of quadrupole interactions in nuclear physics
  • Basic concepts of nuclear spin and charge distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Wigner-Eckhart Theorem in detail
  • Explore quadrupole moments and their calculations in nuclear systems
  • Research the implications of nuclear shape on magnetic properties
  • Investigate the role of electric fields in influencing nuclear shapes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in nuclear physics, particularly those focusing on NMR studies, quadrupole interactions, and the theoretical underpinnings of nuclear shape and spin relationships.

Renato Murback
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TL;DR
What is the relation between the nuclear shape (or charge distribution) and the nuclear spin?
I'm beginner in NMR studies and now I'm studying quadrupole interaction. In this case, spins larger than 1/2 have a non-spherical charge distribution and this asymmetry interacts with external electric fields.
But the question is: What is the relation between the nuclear shape (or charge distribution) and the nuclear spin? I know spin 1/2 has a spherical shape, and larger spins have differents shapes.... But why? How nuclear spins implies the nuclear shape?
Thank you very much for your attention
 
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Welcome to PF, Renato. :smile:

Paging @Dale
 
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spin 1/2 = magnetic dipole.
spin 1 = electric quadrupole
spin 3/2 = magnetic octupole
etc.

See the Wigner-Eckhart Theorem.
 
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how is these spin numbers related with the nuclear shape? what is the relation between them?

1715208353768.png
 
If you go to Google, select Images, and type in Nuclear Quadrupole (e.g.) you will get plenty of pictures showing you the shape.
 
I don't want to know the shape. I want to know the physical relation between the shape and the spin number. How does spin implies the shape? Or how does nuclear shape implies the spin number?
 
I told you the "physical reason". It's the Wigner-Eckhart Theorem.
 
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I'll learn about that. Thank you
 
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While not a proof, here is an example that shows how Wigner-Eckhart works. Suppose I want the quadrupole moment of a spin-½ system. That's <½| ℚ | ½> where ℚ is the quadrupole operator. ℚ | ½> = a | 3/2 > + b | 5/2 > where a and b are numbers. Messy to calculate, but just numbers. But since <1/2 | 3/2 > and <1/2 | 5/2 >are both zero, we don't need to: <½| ℚ | ½> = 0. A spin-½ system cannot have a quadrupole moment.
 
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