Total Angular Momentum of an odd-parity shell-model state

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total angular momentum (J) and orbital angular momentum (L) of odd-parity shell-model states for nucleons. For a maximum of 4 nucleons, the values are J = 3/2 and L = 1, derived from the 1s1/2 and 1p3/2 shells. For a maximum of 6 nucleons, the same values apply, with the 1s1/2 shell fully occupied and the 1p3/2 shell partially filled. The parity is confirmed as odd, necessitating that L remains an odd number, consistent with the parity equation Parity = (-1)L.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of shell-model nuclear physics
  • Familiarity with nucleon spin and parity concepts
  • Knowledge of angular momentum coupling in quantum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of nuclear shell structure and magic numbers
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  • Study the implications of odd-parity states in nuclear structure
  • Explore angular momentum coupling techniques in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the significance of magic numbers in nuclear physics
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Students and researchers in nuclear physics, particularly those focusing on shell-model states, angular momentum calculations, and parity in nucleons.

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Homework Statement


A certain odd-parity shell-model state can hold up to a maximum of 4 nucleons. What are its values of J and L? What about an odd-parity shell-model state with a maximum of 6 nucleons?

Homework Equations


Parity = (-1)L
J = L+S
Total angular momentum, J, is equal to orbital angular momentum, L, plus spin, S.
Nucleons are both fermions and have spin = 1/2
Therefore, J = L + 1/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Parity is odd ∴ L has to be an odd number (Parity = (-1)L)
maximum of 4 nucleons: 1s1/2 shell is full for either protons or neutrons. 1p3/2 shell is not full.

∴ J= 3/2

3n + 1p OR 1n + 3p

J = L ± 1/2 = 1 + 1/2 → J = 3/2, L=1

---------------------------------------------------------------

maximum of 6 nucleons
Parity is odd ∴ L has to be an odd number (Parity = (-1)L)
1s1/2+1p3/2 shells have maximum of 6 nucleons. ∴ L = 1
With 6 nucleons: 1s1/2 shell is full for both protons and neutrons. 1p3/2 shell is not full.

L=1
J = L ± 1/2 = 1 + 1/2 → J = 3/2, L=1
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Odd A nuclei have one unpaired nucleon.

The spin of the nucleus is equal to the j value of that unpaired nucleon and the parity is (−1)l , where l is the orbital angular momentum of the unpaired nucleon.

For example, 47 Ti22 (titanium) has an even number of protons and 25 neutrons. 20 of the neutrons fill the shells up to magic number 20 and there are 5 in the 1f 7/ 2 state (l = 3, j = 7/ 2 ) Four of these form pairs and the remaining one leads to a nuclear spin of 7 /2 and parity (−1)3 = −1. •

Odd-odd nuclei. In this case there is an unpaired proton whose total angular momentum is j1 and an unpaired neutron whose total angular momentum is j2.

The total spin of the nucleus is the (vector) sum of these angular momenta and can take values between |j1 − j2| and |j1 + j2| (in unit steps).

The parity is given by (−1)(l1+l2) , where l1 and l2 are the orbital angular momenta of the unpaired proton and neutron respectively.

For example, 6 Li 3(lithium) has 3 neutrons and 3 protons. The first two of each fill the 1s level and the third is in the 1p 3 /2 level.

The orbital angular momentum of each is l = 1 so the parity is (−1)x(-1) = +1 (even), but the spin can be anywhere between 0 and 3.

see ref.http://www.personal.soton.ac.uk/ab1u06/teaching/phys3002/course/05_shell.pdf
 

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