Binding of Electrons in the Nucleus of the Mercury Atom

Abstract

SINCE we described in NATURE of March 29, p. 459, the relation between the satellites of mercury lines and the isotopes, we have found that the structure of the line 3131.84 does not satisfy the relation given by the formula therein used. The differences in wave-lengths are all too small. To explain this anomaly, we assume that in atoms of elements consisting of several isotopes, the binding of positive and negative protons is not simple, but shows various features. It is usual to introduce an hypothesis for explaining the compactness of the nuclei, that the law of electric action is modified at distances comparable with the dimensions of the nuclei, in such a way that there is attraction between like charges and repulsion among the unlike. We can thus conceive of a case in which the electrons are bound together into one mass and the positive protons into another. The two particles oppositely charged will repel each other at nuclear distances, but this action will cease as they are separated to a certain distance and will become attractive. In this state, the negatively charged particle will be quasi-elastically connected with the positive, and can make coupled vibrations. Such seems to be the case, when the above-mentioned line is excited.