Nuclear Symmetry Energy

Abstract

On the basis of a phenomenological theory proposed in an earlier paper the nuclear symmetry energy is recalculated. The value obtained is smaller than the one given before, which was incorrect. A relativistic calculation of the energy with the radius parameter $r_0=1.07\mathrm{}\times {10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm of the electron scattering experiments yields about the correct symmetry energy. Compensating uncertainties due to inaccuracy in $r_0$, corrections due to the exclusion principle, and a possible difference in the radius of proton and neutron distributions make an accurate comparison with the empirical symmetry energy meaningless.