Why do nuclear mass tables usually start with ....?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation that some nuclear mass tables appear to start with atomic numbers larger than 8, prompting questions about the reasons behind this pattern. The scope includes conceptual exploration and debate regarding the presentation of nuclear mass data in scientific literature.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why nuclear mass tables often start with atomic numbers larger than 8, referencing a specific article.
  • Several participants assert that the claim is inaccurate, stating that not all tables follow this pattern and providing counterexamples.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of starting atomic number may be arbitrary and linked to human pattern recognition rather than any scientific rationale.
  • There is a challenge to the original poster's assumption that there is a hidden meaning behind the choice of starting atomic numbers in these tables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants disagree on the assertion that nuclear mass tables usually start with atomic numbers larger than 8. Multiple viewpoints are presented, with some participants denying the claim and others questioning the reasoning behind the observed patterns.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the intentions of authors who create these tables, suggesting that the reasons may vary based on layout or other factors. There is no consensus on the significance of starting atomic numbers in nuclear mass tables.

alizade
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They don't. One example does not mean "usually".
 
Vanadium 50 said:
They don't. One example does not mean "usually".

I have read about 10 such articles.
 
You're posting nonsense.

In this very thread, you linked to a set of tables that started at A=1.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
You're posting nonsense.

In this very thread, you linked to a set of tables that started at A=1.


I did not say that it never starts with Z=1.

My question is why in many articles starting at Z&N= 8
 
alizade said:
I have read about 10 such articles.
Still not usual. The lists I use to use contain all elements. So in certain cases, it might make no sense to talk about light elements, or it's due to layout reasons, whatsoever. The fact, that you ask, makes me think, you suggest some underlying, hidden meaning. There is none. If someone created a list which starts with oxygen, so it's this someone whom you should ask. Otherwise it's simply guesswork about the author's intentions.

The answer to your question is: human pattern recognition, no correlation to chemistry or physics.
Thread closed.
 
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