Question:medium

Which one of the following is an example of doubly magic nuclei?

Show Hint

Magic numbers are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126; find the nucleus where both Z and N are on the list.
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
  • \(^{18}\mathrm{O}\)
  • \(^{48}\mathrm{Ca}\)
  • \(^{124}\mathrm{Sn}\)
  • \(^{204}\mathrm{Pb}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Method: tabulate $Z$ and $N$ against the shell-closure list.

The nuclear shell model predicts extra binding whenever a shell of protons or neutrons is completely filled. The filled-shell counts are $2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126$. Doubly magic means both counts land on this list at once.

Work out $N = A - Z$ for each option and check it:
$^{18}\mathrm{O}$: $Z=8$ hits the list, but $N=10$ misses. Single.
$^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$: $Z=20$ hits, and $N=28$ hits. Double.
$^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$: $Z=50$ hits, but $N=74$ misses. Single.
$^{204}\mathrm{Pb}$: $Z=82$ hits, but $N=122$ misses; the doubly magic lead isotope is $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ with $N=126$, not this one. Single.

Only calcium-48 clears both boxes, so it is the doubly magic nucleus. Its unusually high binding energy per nucleon and its use as a stable, neutron-rich target both trace back to this closed proton and neutron shell structure.

\[\boxed{^{48}\mathrm{Ca}}\]
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