The Scattering of Alpha-Particles in Helium

Abstract

Deviations from the scattering to be expected on the basis of an inverse square law of force between alpha-particles receive a satisfactory interpretation in terms of the influence on particles of zero, two and four units of angular momentum of a specific nuclear interaction having a range less than 9×${10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm. The semistable state of the compound nucleus ${\mathrm{Be}}^8$ formed in certain disintegration experiments is found from the scattering analysis to have an energy of about 3 Mev, a mean life of 0.8×${10}^{-21\mathrm{}}$ sec., and zero angular momentum. There is also some evidence for a semistable state of still shorter life with two units of angular momentum and an energy of 4 to 5 Mev.