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Liquid drop model
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Semi-empirical mass formula describes nuclear binding.
Treats the nucleus as a charged drop; the semi-empirical mass formula includes volume, surface, Coulomb, asymmetry and pairing terms. It explains fission and the binding-energy curve.
Gives binding energies within a few MeV.
Fails for shell effects.
In more detail
The liquid drop model treats the nucleus as a drop of incompressible liquid, explaining the mass formula and the energy released in fission.
Real-world uses
- The liquid drop model predicts fission barriers and binding energies.
- It provides an intuitive picture of nuclear properties.
- Nuclear physicists use the liquid drop model to estimate binding energies and the shape of nuclei.
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Frequently asked questions
What does it explain?
The smooth trend of binding energy per nucleon and the splitting of nuclei.
What is its limitation?
It cannot explain magic numbers, which require the shell model.
What is the semi-empirical mass formula?
A formula that approximates the binding energy using terms for volume, surface, charge and asymmetry.
Related topics in Atomic & Nuclear Physics
Biological effects of radiation · Medical uses of radiation · Nuclear shell model · Nuclear spin and magnetic moment · Nuclear magnetic resonance · Mössbauer effect