Define Compound Nucleus.

ANSWER : A compound nucleus refers to a temporary state of an atomic nucleus that is formed when two or more atomic nuclei collide and combine together. During this process, the nuclei can undergo a nuclear reaction and release or absorb energy. The compound nucleus is usually unstable and quickly undergoes radioactive decay to reach a more stable state. This concept is crucial in nuclear physics and the study of nuclear reactions.

The concept of the compound nucleus was introduced by the Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1936, later on it became an important concept in nuclear physics. This model provides a framework for understanding nuclear reactions, including processes like nuclear fission and fusion. The mean life of a compound nucleus can range on the order of femtoseconds (10^-5 seconds) to microseconds (10^-6 seconds) or even longer. The specific value depends on factors such as the initial excitation energy of the compound nucleus and the particular decay modes it undergoes.

The formation and subsequent decay of a compound nucleus can be depicted using nuclear reaction equations, such as:

A + B → C*

C* → D + E + γ

Here, A and B are the colliding nuclei, C* represents the compound nucleus, D and E are the resulting products, and γ represents the emission of a gamma ray.

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