Please provide the data needed to fill in the following table below.

ElementMass Number (A)Neutron Number (N)Atomic Number (Z)
12C1266
9Be  4
66Zn 36 
235U  92





Figure 16.9 in Taylor, et al., shows a sketch of the potential for protons and neutrons in a nucleus of moderate mass. Why is the potential well deeper for neutrons in than for protons?




Imagine the neutrons had a spin of 0 instead of 1/2. How would that affect nuclear structure?



Estimate the radius of a 235U nucleus.
  1. 6.2 fm
  2. 62 fm
  3. 6.2 nm
  4. 1 fm
  5. 100 fm




Which of the following nuclei would you expect to be particularly stable?
  1. 4He
  2. 16O
  3. 6Li
  4. 14N
  5. 40Ca
  6. 208Pb
  7. 52Cr




20Ne and 20Na are mirror nuclei. Which would you expect to have the lower energy ground state?
  1. sodium
  2. neon
  3. They should be the same.




What would you expect j to be for 39K? (consult Figure 16.17 in Taylor, et al.)
  1. 1/2
  2. 3/2
  3. 5/2
  4. 7/2
  5. 9/2




What would you expect j be for 40Ca?
  1. 0
  2. 1/2
  3. 1
  4. 3/2
  5. 2




What would you expect j to be for 41Ca? (consult Figure 16.17 in Taylor, et al.)
  1. 1/2
  2. 3/2
  3. 5/2
  4. 7/2
  5. 9/2