Number of protons and neutrons per shell?

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SUMMARY

The shell model of the nucleus dictates that each energy level can accommodate a maximum of two fermions, specifically one proton and one neutron per quantum state. This means that while there can be a total of two particles per shell, they must be distinguishable fermions, leading to a maximum of two protons and two neutrons in total per shell. The critical takeaway is that the limitation is based on the unique quantum numbers assigned to each fermion, not merely the count of protons and neutrons.

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the riddick25
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before i start i wanted to make it clear that this is NOT homework. its just a quick question which puzzled me and my friend

In the shell model of the nucleus. i found a statement that said that since both neutrons and protons are fermions, there are restricted to 2 of each at each energy level.
but when reading something else, it said there could only be 2 at each energy level (not 2 of each)

so could someone please tell me the correct answer, are there 2 protons and 2 neutrons per shell (making 4), or just a total of 2.

thanks :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
neutron and proton are distinguishable fermions

you must have missinterpreted, the real statement is max one indistinguishable fermion per quantum state. Every indistinguishable fermion must have an unique set of quantum numbers.
 

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