On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 2:39 PM, <mix...@bigpond.com> wrote: So I suspect that it's just the naming convention that is confusing you. >
In oblong nuclei, there is an angular dependency on the alpha tunneling probability. Alpha particles are more likely to tunnel out of poles of such nuclei rather than at the circumference. Krane writes, "Since many alpha-emitting nuclei are deformed, these angular distribution measurements can also help us to answer another question: if we assume a stable prolate (elongated) nucleus, will more alpha's be emitted from the poles or from the equator? Figure 8.9 suggests a possible answer to this question: at the larger radius of the poles, the alpha particle feels a weaker Coulomb potential and therefore must penetrate a thinner and lower barrier." I read this to mean that Krane believes that it is the Coulomb potential and not the nuclear potential that is thinner and therefore easier to traverse at the poles. Do you disagree? Eric
