In nuclear physics, "magic numbers" identify specific numbers of protons or neutrons that lead to especially stable nuclei.

Magic numbers" in nuclear physics identify specific numbers of protons or neutrons that lead to especially stable nuclei.

Because neutral atoms in the periodic table have the same number of electrons as protons, the atom must have 8 protons. The number of protons is the same as the atomic number, so the atom is oxygen.

They will also be able to explain the meaning of atomic number and atomic mass. About this Lesson. Lessons 2 and 3 both use the 20 sheets of atom description cards – one sheet for each element.

The number of protons is called the atomic number Z. The number of protons is what defines the element, i.e. an atom with six protons in its nucleus will always be carbon, and uranium will always ...