by Thomas Lee Abshier | Apr 25, 2026 | Particle Theory
The Octahedron in Magnesium The story of SS-8: how a formula written for the strict-N=Z alpha-chain turned out to hide a deeper combinatorial structure, how a Platonic solid two-and-a-half thousand years old appeared inside a magnesium nucleus, and how the same...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Apr 25, 2026 | Particle Theory
Eight Nuclei in a Row The story of SS-7: how a formula written for the smallest atomic nuclei turned out, almost by accident, to predict the weights of nuclei a hundred times larger — and how the first thing that seemed wrong about the result, when it was finally...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Dec 21, 2025 | Particle Theory
Strong Spin–Orbit Coupling in Nuclear Physics In nuclear physics, strong spin–orbit coupling is the crucial interaction that makes the nuclear shell model work and explains the observed magic numbers. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of what it is, why it is...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Dec 21, 2025 | Particle Theory, Physics
Magic Numbers in Nuclear Physics Magic numbers are one of the key organizing principles in nuclear physics. They explain why certain nuclei are exceptionally stable, much like noble gases in atomic chemistry. What Are Magic Numbers? In nuclear physics, a magic number...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Oct 21, 2025 | Particle Theory, Physics
Quark Characteristics and Decay Modes by Thomas Lee Abshier, ND 10/21/2025 What are the characteristics and decay modes of the up quark? The up quark () is one of the two fundamental quarks in the first generation of the Standard Model, along with the down quark ()....
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Aug 5, 2025 | Particle Theory, Physics, Quantum Mechanics
Activation Energy of Proton to Neutron Formation by Thomas Lee Abshier, ND 8/5/2025 Thomas: What is the force that must be overcome for an electron to combine with a proton? Why is there an activation energy for the combination of an electron and a proton? Assistant...
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