Neutron-Proton Collisions

TL;DR

This paper reviews and compares two theoretical models of neutron-proton scattering, one developed by Majorana in 1932 and a contemporary model by Massey, highlighting their differences and historical context.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Majorana's early collision theory model and compares it with Massey's modern approach, offering insights into their theoretical developments.

Findings

Majorana's model yields explicit wave solutions for neutron-proton scattering.

Comparison reveals differences in assumptions and mathematical formulations between the models.

Historical context enriches understanding of neutron-proton collision theories.

Abstract

A theoretical model describing neutron-proton scattering developed by Majorana as early as in 1932, is discussed in detail with the experiments that motivated it. Majorana using collisions' theory, obtained the explicit expression of solutions of wave equation of the neutron-proton system. In this work two different models, the unpublished one of Majorana and the contemporary work of Massey, are studied and compared.