AbstractsChemistry

Neutron induced disintegrations in C12, O16 and Ne20, have been observed in a Wilson chamber using neutrons of energies up to 55M.e.v. Measurements have been made on 95 stars believed to be examples of the C12 (n, n3a) reaction. An analysis of the angles between the emergent and incident neutron directions and their variations with the energy of the star gives strong evidence that this reaction proceeds without the formation of C13 as a compound nucleus. Some evidence is found that favours the concept of an ordered nuclear structure as is suggested by the alpha particle model.