Single-particle motion in the nucleus

The single-particle shell model of the nucleus, wherein each nucleon is supposed to feel only an average potential due to all the other nucleons present, is described. Despite some obvious shortcomings the shell model is, in its more sophisticated forms, a powerful tool for the study of nuclear structure. The single-particle properties of the nucleus is discussed under the headings; nuclear size and the Fermi gas model, β-decay, nucleon-nucleon forces, nuclear binding energies, magic numbers, atomic shell model and the spin-orbit force, and nuclear shell model. (UK)