The heaviest stable nuclide known is an isotope of Lead, . Its exceptional stability is attributed t — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
The heaviest stable nuclide known is an isotope of Lead, ${}_{82}^{208}Pb$. Its exceptional stability is attributed to having "magic numbers" for both its protons and its neutrons. Based on the nuclear shell model, what is the magic number corresponding to the neutrons in this nucleus?
Answer: 126
💡 Solution & Explanation
The mass number $A = 208$ and atomic number $Z = 82$. The number of neutrons $N = A - Z = 208 - 82 = 126$. The nuclear magic numbers are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, 184, 196. Here, 82 (protons) and 126 (neutrons) are both magic numbers.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes