Physics:Quantum atoms/nucleus
An atomic nucleus is a Book II topic in the Quantum Collection. It is the compact central part of an atom, made of protons and neutrons bound mainly by the strong nuclear interaction. Nuclear structure is quantum mechanical: nucleons occupy shells, carry spin and isospin, and form collective states and excitations. The nucleus determines isotopes, radioactive decay, nuclear binding energy, hyperfine effects, and the mass of ordinary matter. Understanding nuclei connects atomic physics with particle physics, quantum many-body theory, fusion, fission, scattering experiments, and the origin of elements in stars.
Description
The nucleus is bound together by the strong nuclear force and is much smaller than the overall size of the atom. Electrons occupy regions outside the nucleus in quantum states.
Properties
- nuclear charge
- mass number
- binding energy
See also
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Source attribution: Physics:Quantum atoms/nucleus
