Proton magic numbers

Proton magic numbers are specific counts of protons in an atomic nucleus that make the nucleus especially stable. Think of them as "closed shells" of protons, similar to how electrons occupy specific energy levels in an atom. When a nucleus has a proton number of 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, or 114, these numbers correspond to complete proton shells, resulting in a more stable nucleus less likely to break apart. These magic numbers help scientists understand why some elements are more common or stable than others.