REACTION-MECHANISM FOR THE SYMMETRICAL BREAKUP OF MG-24 FOLLOWING AN INTERACTION WITH C-12

Data on the yield of the symmetric breakup of Mg-24 as a function of b eam energy are presented and compared with detailed calculations of th e energy dependence. The Mg-24 states seen in symmetric breakup agree with previously observed breakup states having spin and parities J(pi) = 4+,(6+),8+. The data allow the variations of yield for indivual sta tes to be judged, as the beam energy is varied. The variation in the y ield of the 4+ states is compared in detail with calculations assuming several possible compound nuclear or direct reaction mechanisms. It i s concluded that a massive (C-12) transfer or a simple statistical com pound process are unlikely mechanisms, but that each of several other mechanisms is consistent with the data.