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Magic number (physics)
In nuclear physics, a magic number is a number of nucleons such that they are arranged into complete shells within the atomic nucleus. The numbers are:
Atomic nuclei consisting of such a magic number of nucleons are more stable than those having one nucleon more or one less. Furthermore, nuclei which have both neutron number and proton number equal to one of the magic numbers are even more stable. For example, Helium 4 is especially stable because it has both 2 protons and 2 neutrons. They are called doubly magic.
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Last updated: 06-01-2005 15:05:55
10-26-2009 08:16:03
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details