  The neutron-rich nucleus 74Ni was studied with inverse-kinematics inelastic
proton scattering using a 74Ni radioactive beam incident on a liquid hydrogen
targetat a center-of-mass energy of 80 MeV. From the measured de-excitation
gamma-rays, the population of the first 2+ state was quantified. The
angle-integrated excitation cross section was determined to be 14(4) mb. A
deformation length of delta = 1.04(16) fm was extracted in comparison with
distorted wave theory, which suggests that the enhancement of collectivity
established for 70Ni continues up to 74Ni. A comparison with results of shell
model and quasi-particle random phase approximation calculations indicates that
the magic character of Z = 28 or N = 50 is weakened in 74Ni.
