"In the tail above the giant resonance, you can get not just one neutron emitted but two, three, four or five, and so there are a lot of things one can measure, looking at the competition with the emission of neutrons and protons and so on"
About this Quote
The quote by John Henry Carver speaks to the complexity and richness of nuclear physics, specifically related to nuclear reactions and the emission of particles. In particular, Carver discusses phenomena that occur in the "tail above the huge resonance". A giant resonance is a high-frequency collective excitation of the nucleus, where protons and neutrons display meaningful movement (typically designed as an oscillation). This resonance represents a peak in a chart of particular kinds of nuclear reactions, usually observed in nuclear spectra.
The "tail above the giant resonance" describes the region just beyond this peak. It is known for its complex and less foreseeable habits compared to the huge resonance itself. In this region, multiple particles can be produced. Usually, a nuclear reaction might include the emission of a single neutron or proton, however in the tail area, the conditions allow for the emission of multiple neutrons (2, 3, 4, or perhaps five, as Carver notes).
This multi-particle emission suggests a range of possible interactions and decays within the nucleus, supplying a fertile ground for scientific expedition and experimentation. For physicists, studying this area uses insights into the forces and aspects at play within atomic nuclei, especially the competitors in between neutron and proton emissions.
Carver's reference of "competition" in between neutron and proton emission adds another layer of intricacy. This competitors is influenced by different aspects consisting of the energy state of the nucleus, the interaction strengths between nucleons, and the energy limits for emission processes.
Overall, Carver is highlighting the chance for discovery in nuclear physics by taking a look at the results and processes that take place in this high-energy area. The insights acquired can even more illuminate our understanding of nuclear reactions, nuclear structure, and essential forces in atomic nuclei.
