Inelastic electron scattering at low momentum transfer and nuclear structure

This chapter describes how inelastic electron scattering can be used to study rather elementary problems of nuclear structure which in part may have some far-reaching consequences on fundamental questions of mesonic degrees of freedom in nuclear physics. Examines electric and magnetic transitions of low multipolarity in light and heavy nuclei. Offers a few selected examples of some very recent work at the Darmstadt electron linear accelerator (DALINAC). Focuses on the realm of (e,e') at low momentum transfer. Discusses electroexcitation and nuclear structure; examples of electric transitions; and examples of magnetic transitions. Summarizes M1 and M2 strength distributions and their quenching, anomalous magnetic moments and the possible renormalization of the nuclear spin current. Concludes that even the very elementary nuclear excitations discussed are still not fully understood theoretically