Nuclear Symmetry Energy

Abstract

On the basis of a phenomenological theory proposed in an earlier paper the nuclear symmetry energy is recalculated. The value obtained is smaller than the one given before, which was incorrect. A relativistic calculation of the energy with the radius parameter ${r}_{0}=1.07\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm of the electron scattering experiments yields about the correct symmetry energy. Compensating uncertainties due to inaccuracy in ${r}_{0}$, corrections due to the exclusion principle, and a possible difference in the radius of proton and neutron distributions make an accurate comparison with the empirical symmetry energy meaningless.