Question

For the nucleus 16O the neutron and proton separation energies are 15.7 and 12.2 MeV, respectively. Estimate the radius of this nucleus assuming that the particles are removed from its surface and that the difference in separation energies is due to the Coulomb potential energy of the proton.

Answer 1

Substitute e2/4πεo = 1.44 MeV fm and Z = 8 to find R = 3.7 fm.