The magic nucleon numbers for nuclei are given in Module 42-8 as 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126. Are nuclides magic (that is, especially stable) when (a) only the mass number A, (b) only the atomic number Z, (c) only the neutron number N, or (d) either Zor N(or both) is equal to one of these numbers? Pick all correct phrases.

The magic nucleon numbers are: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126.

In nuclear physics, magic numbers are several nucleons such that the nucleons of the nuclide are arranged into complete shells within the atomic nucleus. Thus, their nuclei are more stable than in comparison to other nuclides. They are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, and so on

According to the concept, the nucleons of the nuclide are arranged into complete shells. Also, any nuclide whose proton number Zor neutron number Nhas one of these values (or both) turns out to have a special stability that may be made apparent in a variety of ways are called magic (or double magic) nuclides.

Thus, the concept defines that only atomic number, only neutron number or both should be a match to one of the magic numbers, 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126 for them to be magic nuclides. Mass number only being a magic number does not satisfy the filling condition of the nucleon shells.

Hence, according to this, option (d) is the correct pick.