# $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ (|Independent particle Model⟩+ |Strong Interaction Model⟩)?

What is an adequate way to understand this simultaneously. One has the underlying assumption that matter is saturated and has the merit of being able to come up with an accurate formula for the Binding Energy (the SEMF/Bethe-Weizsäcker formula) and the other can explain the magic numbers by building up energy levels in a shell structure similar to atomic orbitals. However, the underlying assumptions appear to be completely contradictory. I am looking for a better perspective on how to understand these two simultaneously.

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Although I have nothing against cheesy titles, this one winds up not being formatted all that well... not that you need to change it or anything, I'm just commenting ;-) –  David Z Apr 27 '11 at 2:21
@David if you have ideas feel free to edit ;) –  yayu Apr 27 '11 at 4:01
The right framework is called Quantum Chromodynamics, QCD. You describe a nucleus with $A$ nucleons as a bound state of $3A$ valence quarks (plus infinitely many other quarks and gluons) interacting via the strong force and creating an environment that is similar to a liquid, you take a supercomputer, and get results that may be accurate but in principle don't teach you much about the nuclei beyond the two phenomenological models. –  Luboš Motl Apr 27 '11 at 5:11
@Luboš Motl That clears it a lot. Thanks, as always. –  yayu Apr 28 '11 at 7:09