Chapter 21, Problem 25E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The alpha emission is relatively common, but proton emission is nonexistent is to be explained by using the concept of magic numbers.

Concept introduction: A magic number is defined as a number of either neutrons or protons that is a number of nucleons that are arranged within the nucleus into complete shells. When the number of protons or the number of neutrons becomes equal to the magic number then nuclear shell filled completely resulting in stable nuclei. The magic numbers are $2,8,20,28,50,82\text{or}126$ .

To determine: The explanation for alpha emission is relatively common, but proton emission is nonexistent by using the concept of magic numbers.