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Related Concept Videos

Nuclear Stability03:18

Nuclear Stability

Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin01:08

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin

All atomic particles possess an intrinsic angular momentum, or 'spin'. Electrons, protons, and neutrons each have a spin value of ½, although protons and neutrons in nuclei may have higher half-integer spins owing to energetic factors.
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
The Energies of Atomic Orbitals03:21

The Energies of Atomic Orbitals

In an atom, the negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus. In a multielectron atom, electron-electron repulsions are also observed. The attractive and repulsive forces are dependent on the distance between the particles, as well as the sign and magnitude of the charges on the individual particles. When the charges on the particles are opposite, they attract each other. If both particles have the same charge, they repel each other.
Electronic Structure of Atoms02:28

Electronic Structure of Atoms


An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum numbers:  n, l, ml, and...
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview01:03

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview

NMR-active nuclei have energy levels called 'spin states' that are associated with the orientations of their nuclear magnetic moments. In the absence of a magnetic field, the nuclear magnetic moments are randomly oriented, and the spin states are degenerate. When an external magnetic field is applied, the spin states have only 2 + 1 orientations available to them. A proton with = ½ has two available orientations. Similarly, for a quadrupolar nucleus with a nuclear spin value of one, the...
Atomic Radii and Effective Nuclear Charge03:08

Atomic Radii and Effective Nuclear Charge

The elements in groups of the periodic table exhibit similar chemical behavior. This similarity occurs because the members of a group have the same number and distribution of electrons in their valence shells.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2
11:27

Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2

Published on: December 8, 2016

Nuclear shell structure governs short-range nucleon pairing.

D Nguyen1,2, C Yero3,4, H Szumila-Vance1,5

  • 1Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, VA, USA.

Nature
|June 3, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nucleons form short-range-correlated pairs within atomic nuclei. This pairing is surprisingly dependent on quantum orbitals, not nuclear mass, challenging current nuclear physics models.

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Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Published on: September 17, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2
11:27

Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2

Published on: December 8, 2016

Study of Protein Dynamics via Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy
08:03

Study of Protein Dynamics via Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy

Published on: April 13, 2022

Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
14:55

Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Published on: September 17, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics

Background:

  • Atomic nuclei are complex quantum systems governed by the strong nuclear force.
  • Nucleons (protons and neutrons) can form high-momentum, short-range-correlated (SRC) pairs.
  • SRC pairs are crucial for understanding the high-momentum structure of nuclear matter and the short-distance behavior of the strong interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally probe the formation of short-range-correlated pairs in atomic nuclei.
  • To investigate the influence of nuclear shell structure, mass, and neutron-proton imbalance on SRC pair formation.
  • To compare experimental findings with theoretical predictions.

Main Methods:

  • Scattering of high-energy electrons from specific isotopes (40Ca, 48Ca, 54Fe).
  • Selection of isotopes with distinct nuclear shell structures for targeted analysis.
  • Analysis of experimental data to determine the characteristics of short-range-correlated pair formation.

Main Results:

  • Short-range-correlated pairing is unexpectedly sensitive to the specific quantum orbitals occupied by nucleons.
  • The dependence on occupied quantum orbitals is significantly stronger than predicted by existing theoretical models.
  • Nuclear mass and neutron-proton imbalance have a lesser impact on SRC pairing than previously assumed.

Conclusions:

  • Existing theoretical models may require revision, potentially incorporating new angular-momentum quantum selection rules for nucleon pairing.
  • A profound link exists between the long-range nuclear shell structure and short-range nucleon-nucleon interactions.
  • Experimental findings necessitate a re-evaluation of the fundamental mechanisms governing nucleon interactions within atomic nuclei.