The linear response of the ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ nucleus to an external electroweak current is studied in a relativistic model. The relativistic form for the nuclear linear response is applied using the random-phase approximation, Dirac-Hartree single-nucleon orbitals obtained along with Lorentz-vector and scalar self-consistent meson mean fields, and various particle-hole residual interactions. Form factors for inelastic electron scattering are combined into complexes and compared with experiments and previous nonrelativistic predictions. The agreement with electron scattering experiments is of similar quality for both nonrelativistic and relativistic theories with no obvious signature obtained motivating the superiority of a relativistic treatment. For weak interactions, the relativistic approach yields a considerable variation in predictions depending on the residual interaction adopted and whether pseudovector or pseudoscalar πNN coupling is assumed.

• Received 6 July 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.38.2860