Types of nuclei - Nuclear Physics class 12 - eSaral

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Hey, do you want to learn about the Types of nuclei? If yes. Then keep reading
Types of nuclei
Isotopes
- These are nuclei of the same element having the same Z but different Ae.g.
${ }_{8} \mathrm{O}^{16},{ }_{8} \mathrm{O}^{17},{ }_{8} \mathrm{O}^{18}$
${ }_{1} \mathrm{H}^{1},{ }_{1} \mathrm{H}^{2},{ }_{1} \mathrm{H}^{3}$
${ }_{92} \mathrm{U}^{234},{ }_{92} \mathrm{U}^{235}, \underset{92}{\mathrm{U}^{238}}$ - All isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties
- They occupy the same place in the periodic table
- They cannot be separated by chemical analysis
- They can be separated by mass spectrometers or mass spectrographs
Isotones
- These are nuclei of different elements having the same N but different A.
${ }_{6} \mathrm{C}_{7}^{13}$ & ${ }_{7} \mathrm{~N}_{7}^{14}$
${ }_{1} \mathrm{H}_{2}^{3}$ & ${ }_{2} \mathrm{He}_{2}^{4}$${ }_{2} \mathrm{Be}_{5}^{9}$ & ${ }_{5} \mathrm{~B}_{5}^{10}$ - Isotones are different elements with different chemical properties
- They occupy different positions in the periodic table
- They can be separated by chemical analysis and mass spectrometers
Isobars
- These are nuclei of different elements having the same A but different N and Z.
e.g. ${ }_{6} \mathrm{C}^{14}$
and ${ }_{7} \mathrm{~N}^{14}$${ }_{18} \mathrm{Ar}^{40}$
and ${ }_{20} \mathrm{Ca}^{40}$ - Isobars are different elements with different chemical properties
- They occupy different positions in the periodic table
- They can be separated by chemical analysis but cannot be separated by mass spectrometers.
Mirror nuclei
These are nuclei with the same A but in which neutron and proton numbers are interchanged.
e.g. ${ }_{4} \mathrm{Be}_{3}^{7}(\mathrm{Z}=4, \mathrm{~N}=3)$
and
$3 \mathrm{Li}_{4}^{7}(Z=3, \mathrm{~N}=4)$
Isomer nuclei
- These are nuclei with the same A and same Z but differ in their nuclear energy states
- They have different lifetimes and internal structure
- These nuclei have different radioactive properties.e.g. $\mathrm{Co}^{60}$ & $\mathrm{Co}^{60 *}$
so, that's all from this article. I hope you get the idea about How to state and explain ohm's law. If you found this article informative then please share it with your friends. If you have any confusion related to this topic then feel free to ask in the comments section down below.
For a better understanding of this chapter, please check the detailed notes of Nuclei. To watch Free Learning Videos on physics by Saransh Gupta sir Install the eSaral App.

Team eSaral
eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
Related Posts

Plant Cell Diagram: Labelled Structure, Parts and Functions
Simple, labelled plant cell diagram with parts and functions. Covers plant cell structure for Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 students, CBSE-aligned.

Saransh Gupta Sir's Visit to IIT Patna: Hostel Life, Placements & Lessons for JEE Aspirants
Inside Saransh Gupta Sir's IIT Patna visit — hostel life, the library, placements, internships, and real advice for JEE aspirants from students living the IIT dream.

Molality Formula: Formula for Molality, Derivation & Solved Examples
Molality formula is $m = \dfrac{n}{W}$. Learn the formula of molality, its SI unit, derivation, relation with molarity, and solved examples for Class 11, JEE and NEET.

BITSAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF
Download BITSAT previous year question papers PDF. Get year-wise BITSAT PYQs, memory-based papers, exam pattern, and preparation tips to improve your BITSAT preparation.

Teachers’ Day 2026 at eSaral Gurukul: Celebrating the Bond Between Students, Teachers & Mentors
See how Teachers’ Day 2026 was celebrated at eSaral Gurukul, reflecting the bond among students, teachers, and mentors, and the role of guidance beyond academics.

JEE Advanced Attempts: Can You Give It a Third Time? Rules Explained
JEE Advanced attempts: current rule is 2 consecutive years only: full eligibility criteria, the 2025 third-attempt controversy, and the latest 2026 petition news.

Best JEE Preparation App
Best JEE preparation app for Main & Advanced: AI mock tests, live doubt-solving, thousands of practice questions. JEE preparation app for droppers & Class 11-12.

Coordinate Geometry Class 10: Formulas, Notes & Solved Examples
Coordinate geometry class 10: complete CBSE formulas — distance, section, midpoint and area of triangle — with derivation, notes and solved examples.

How to make Notes For JEE Smart Notes Strategy of an AIR 41
Learn how to make notes for JEE the way toppers do — indexing, shorthand, and smart short notes for JEE that cut revision time to just 5–7 days.

SL Arora Physics Class 12 Index – Chapter List for Volume 1 & 2
SL Arora Physics Class 12 index — complete chapter list for Volume 1 & 2, mapped to NCERT solutions for board, JEE Main, and NEET preparation.
