An intermediate state in a particular nuclear reaction decays within of its formation. (a) We have to find the uncertainty in our knowledge of this intermediate state. (b) We have to answer whether this state can be called a compound nucleus.

Solution:             Click For PDF Version

(a)

An intermediate state in a particular nuclear reaction decays within of its formation.

From the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle we can estimate the uncertainty in our knowledge of this intermediate state.

We have

(b)

The decay time is of the order of nuclear reaction that is the time taken for interaction to take place at the speed of light between nuclei separated by distance of the order of their radii. Therefore, the intermediate state is not a compound nuclear state.