A nucleus is made up of protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons (particles with
no net electric charge). In a nucleus, protons and neutrons can arrange themselves in
many different ways. Most commonly, the protons and neutrons each form a series of concentric shells
to give the nucleus a spherical or near-spherical shape (left).
However, in some nuclei the outermost neutrons and protons move with respect to the
inner protons and neutrons and the result is a "highly deformed" shape (center), in which the length is about
1.5 times greater than its width. In even more extreme cases, "superdeformed nuclei" can result; these have a length-to-width ratio
of about 2:1. (Illustration by Malcolm Tarlton, AIP.)
Link to Physics News Update Item on this research (Available February 25, 1998)
Link to Physics News Preview,Escape from a Nuclear Football (Available February 25, 1998)
