Visualization of Nuclear Potential Well with CeTZ

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I just created a visualization of the nuclear potential well using CeTZ and I’m really proud of how it turned out! If you’re interested in nuclear physics or quantum mechanics, feel free to check it out here:

:point_right: Typst Project Link

Let me know what you think! :rocket:

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I find the separation of the potentials into two separate “radial” axes somewhat confusing, especially in the context of an alpha decay. If the potential on the left is supposed to be for the neutrons only, it should be zero at E(r) > 0 since they do not experience the repulsive 1/r Coulomb potential. I found this figure in a quick Google search for “nuclear potential well” that separates the potential into two axes/halves. (Your figure from the forum already shows up as the ~20th result by the way :eyes:).

Back to my initial point of the separation into neutron and proton potential. If the neutron potential is zero at E(r) > 0, this raises the question why the alpha particle can’t just “go to the left”. Most sketches for alpha decay seem to ignore the separation into neutron and proton potential. There is one here on slide 14 that just shows different energy levels for neutrons and protons without specifically “raising” the bottom of the potential for the protons.

I’m sure you will come up with a good solution. :slight_smile:

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Thanks for the quick and insightful feedback! I’ve adjusted the visualization based on your points to better represent the potential separation in the context of alpha decay. Your comments really helped refine the clarity of the figure. Appreciate it! :raised_hands:

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Happy to help, it’s nice to see some physics here in the forum! :slight_smile:

I looked at the actual document you linked and have two more comments:

  1. The descriptions for beta- and beta+ decay are not in the right order (relative to the drawings). The decay n → p will emit an electron and the decay p → n will emit a positron.
  2. I find the gap around r = 0 misleading since the potential well(s) should start at r = 0. Even though you are targeting high school students here, I would be careful with such a modification that only serves a visual purpose. With a slightly increased line width and/or contrasting colors the figure should still look nice without the gap.
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  1. I understand your point. But in every major high school book and even the “Abitur” exams there is a visual gap between these wells. :man_shrugging:t2: So it’s just consistent, even if it’s misleading.

  2. The descriptions are shuffled on purpose, because it’s the task to match the images with the correct destructions and equations.

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