Nuclear States

Nuclear states refer to the specific energy configurations within an atom's nucleus, which is made up of protons and neutrons. These states are characterized by quantized energy levels, much like electrons in atoms, but are governed by nuclear forces. When a nucleus transitions between states, it can emit or absorb energy in the form of radiation, such as gamma rays. Understanding nuclear states is essential for nuclear physics, as they determine the behavior, stability, and reactions of atomic nuclei, playing a vital role in applications like nuclear energy, medicine, and scientific research.