if the nucleus consists of shells of 50 nucleons each of which consists of subshells of 2*1², 2*2², 2*3², 2*4², and 2*5² nucleons then the magic numbers would be 2,8,18,32,50,52,68,82,100. the observed magic numbers are 2,8,20,28,50,82,126. I make no attempt to explain the discrepencies. I only point out that it comes close to explaining the observed numbers and is very similar to the electron shells/subshells.

 

 

if we assume that the neutrons that arent part of alpha particles form a shell of their own then the formula for stable nuclei becomes

 

neutrons not part of alpha particles=total neutrons-protons=(P/12.36)²

 

hence the number of these neutrons becomes proportional to the electric force trying to push the nucleus apart. (the electric force following an inverse square law).

 

for uranium 235 the number of such neutrons is 51.

Edited December 11, 200817 yr by granpa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_model

 

We've actually got a nuclear shell model that predicts the magic numbers really rather well...

 

 

I was hoping to find something that showed that the magic numbers are more stable but I cant seem to find anything.

Edited December 11, 200817 yr by granpa