Abstract
THE existence of quasi-discrete levels in the atomic nucleus has been suggested by Dr. Condon and myself in a paper in the Physical Review, in which the nuclear theory first outlined in NATURE, Sept. 22, 1928 (vol. 122, p. 439), is pursued. These quasi-discrete levels are narrow ranges of energy for which the amplitude of the π-functions inside the nucleus is large compared with the amplitude outside. In a very interesting letter in NATURE of Nov. 24, 1928, G. Gamow, who in other respects had arrived quite independently at the same basic ideas with regard to the nucleus (Z. f. Phys., 51, 204), gave a résumé of various applications, including that of artificial disintegration, a detailed account of which has since appeared (Z. f. Phys., 52, 510). Considering the intensities of the transmitted and reflected waves, he inquires how the probability of penetration into the nucleus will fall off with decreasing velocity of the incident α-particle; treating the nucleus as a simple potential barrier, he naturally finds that the probability shows a steady decrease.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
GURNEY, R. Nuclear Levels and Artificial Disintegration. Nature 123, 565 (1929). https://doi.org/10.1038/123565a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/123565a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.