Nuclear Shell Model
A quantum nuclear model describing nuclear energy levels in terms of individual nucleons moving inside a central potential well with strong spin-orbit coupling.
Governing formula
Magic Numbers: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126
SI unit
Quantized Energy Shells
In depth
Developed by Maria Goeppert Mayer and Eugene Wigner. Strong spin-orbit interaction splits nucleon energy levels, creating large energy gaps corresponding to 'magic numbers' of protons or neutrons that confer exceptional nuclear stability.
Examples in the real world
Explaining why Helium-4 (2p, 2n) and Lead-208 (82p, 126n) possess extraordinary nuclear binding stability as 'doubly magic' nuclides.