Why is the Nucleus Spherical in Its Stable State?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the shape of atomic nuclei, specifically why they are generally considered spherical in their stable state. Participants explore theoretical models, such as the liquid drop model, and address the complexities of nuclear shape, including conditions under which nuclei may deviate from a spherical form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that nuclei are generally spherical, while others argue that they can be flattened under certain conditions and still remain stable.
  • One participant notes that the shape of a nucleus can be inferred from its electric and magnetic multipole moments, suggesting that nuclei are not strictly spherical.
  • A question is raised about the cause of multipole moments, with a participant expressing curiosity about the distribution of protons and neutrons within the nucleus.
  • Another participant draws a parallel between the nucleus and a liquid drop, suggesting that the spherical shape of the liquid drop is due to symmetrical forces of surface tension, but questions why the nucleus maintains a spherical shape.
  • There is a challenge to the assumption that nuclei are generally spherical, indicating that understanding the shape requires acknowledging that this statement may not be true.
  • A participant references a paper for further reading, indicating that there may be additional resources available on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether nuclei are generally spherical, with some asserting that they are while others contest this notion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive shape of nuclei in their stable state.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about nuclear shape and the dependence on definitions of stability and shape. The complexity of nuclear interactions and the conditions under which nuclei may deviate from spherical shapes are not fully explored.

roshan2004
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Why nucleus is spherical in shape in its stable state?
 
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Could you rephrase the question?

Nuclei are generally spherical, but can be flattened under certain conditions and still remain stable. Protons and neutrons exchange glueons, etc. There's continual motion between baryons.
 
A nucleus is typically not spherical. This can be seen via its electric and/or magnetic multipole moments.
 
What causes the multipole moments? (I'm new here.)

Do the protons gather on one side and the neutrons on the other? My small understanding is that they nucleus is rather homogeneous, with the continual sharing of gluons and other activities.
 
I was studying liquid drop model of nucleus and came with this similarity between nucleus and liquid drop that both of them are spherical. Liquid drop is spherical due to symmetrical forces of surface tension but don't know why nucleus is spherical in its stable state.
 
But roshan, what we are trying to tell you is that nuclei are not in general spherical. You can't find out "why" if the statement isn't true.
 
Sorry!
 
There's no reason to apologise.Try googling "the shape of a nucleus".
 

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