Pairing energy

Pairing energy refers to the stability gained when protons or neutrons in an atomic nucleus form pairs. Similar to how paired electrons create stability in atoms, nucleons (protons and neutrons) tend to prefer pairing up. This pairing lowers the overall energy of the nucleus, making it more stable. When nucleons are unpaired, the nucleus is less stable and has higher energy. The pairing energy accounts for the energy difference associated with forming these pairs, and it influences nuclear properties such as binding energy and stability patterns across elements.