Merits and demerits of liquid drop model
Answers
In nuclear physics the liquid drop model considers the nucleus to be a drop of incompressible nuclear fluid of very high density. The nucleus is made of nucleons that are held together by the nuclear force. Its shape is similar to that of a spherical liquid drop made up of microscopic molecules. This model was proposed by George Gamow and developed by John Archibald and Niels Bohr.
Merits
1. It explains the spherical shape of most nuclei.
2. It helps to predict the nuclear binding energy and also to assess how much is available for consumption.
3. It helps to explain the stability of nuclei.
4. The radioactive phenomenon can be explained with the help of this model.
5. This model explains the phenomenon of artificial radioactivity.
6. Nuclear fission can be understood on the basis of this model.
Demerits
1. It is a crude model. It does not explain all the properties of the nucleus.
2. It does not explain the high stability of nuclei with the magic number.
3. The concept of pairing cannot be explained with this model.
4. The discontinuities in B / E nucleon cannot be explained.
5. It is not successful in interpreting the breaking of nuclei in lighter elements.