The Shell model Flashcards
What is the shell model
explains chemical properties and atomic structure by filling electronic shells.
Successive filling of electronic shells with electrons has been successful in explaining atomic phenomena
What evidence is there of nuclear energy shells
Neutron separation energy reveals discontinuities at specific neutron numbers.
Similar behavior observed for two-neutron and two-proton separation energies.
Discontinuities align with “magic numbers” (2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126), indicating filled nuclear shells.
How do nucleons differ from electrons in terms of their motion?
Nucleons move in a potential they generate themselves, unlike electrons which move in a potential generated by the nucleus.
What type of potential is used as a model for shell structure in the shell model?
An infinite square well potential.
What are the main components of angular momentum in quantum mechanics?
Orbital angular momentum and spin.
How does the addition of a spin-orbit potential affect energy levels in the shell model?
It splits energy levels into j = ℓ ± 1/2 levels.
How are nuclei structured in terms of shell filling?
Protons and neutrons fill separate sets of energy levels, following available lowest energy states.
