Why doesn't a dineutron system form a bound state?

In summary, the conversation discusses the reasons why a dineutron system (two neutrons with opposite spins) does not form a bound state, while a neutron-proton system (with both spins either up or down) can. The binding energy per nucleon may be stronger for a neutron-proton system with opposite spins, but the ground state for two nucleons is still a neutron-proton system with the same spin. This is due to the spin and isospin symmetry properties of the nucleon-nucleon force.
  • #1
zahero_2007
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Why doesn't a dineutron system form a bound state?

Why doesn't 2 neutrons with one spin up and the other spin down form a bound state but a neutron and proton with both spin up or down form a bound state
 
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  • #2


Another question , Is the binding energy per nucleon (assuming A is small enough) stronger for a p-n nucleus with one spin up and the other spin down than a p-n nucleus with both spin up or down?
 
  • #3


Of the possible bound states for two nucleons, the ground state is 1H2, so a state of two neutrons would decay to this via the weak force.
 
  • #4


Ok , but Why doesn't the 2 neutrons form a ground state?
 
  • #5


Because of the spin and isospin symmetry properties of the nucleon-nucleon force.

If I remember correctly wer had this discussion here a coupleof times; please search for "dineutron" or something like that.
 

1. Why doesn't a dineutron system form a bound state?

The dineutron system does not form a bound state because the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for binding nucleons in nuclei, is not strong enough to overcome the repulsive Coulomb force between the two neutrons. This means that the dineutron system is not energetically favorable and does not have enough energy to remain bound.

2. What is the role of the strong nuclear force in the inability of dineutrons to form a bound state?

The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding nucleons together in a nucleus. However, in the case of a dineutron system, the strong nuclear force is not strong enough to overcome the repulsive Coulomb force between the two neutrons. This results in the dineutron system not forming a bound state.

3. Can a dineutron system ever form a bound state under any circumstances?

It is theoretically possible for a dineutron system to form a bound state under extreme conditions, such as in the core of a neutron star where the density and temperature are extremely high. In these conditions, the strong nuclear force may be strong enough to overcome the repulsive Coulomb force and form a bound dineutron system.

4. Why is the dineutron system important in nuclear physics?

The dineutron system is important in nuclear physics because it is an example of a system that does not form a bound state due to the balance between the strong nuclear force and the Coulomb force. This helps us understand the limitations and boundaries of the strong nuclear force and its role in binding nucleons together in nuclei.

5. Are there any other particles that cannot form bound states due to the balance of the strong nuclear force and Coulomb force?

Yes, there are other particles, such as the di-neutron and di-proton systems, that cannot form bound states due to the balance between the strong nuclear force and the Coulomb force. Additionally, other exotic particles, such as pentaquarks and tetraquarks, also have difficulty forming bound states due to these same forces.

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