neodymium nucleus

thingiverse

The element known as neodymium plays a crucial role in iron magnets. This scale model represents 20 trillion times the actual size. The atomic nucleus of Nd features two distinct rings of protons, colored white, while the neutrons are depicted in blue. This design is similar to that of iron and gadolinium: both exhibit two coaxial rings of protons, making them easily recognizable. One notable difference between these elements lies in their proton configuration. Iron has a single proton on its axis, whereas neodymium lacks any proton on the axis. A photograph showcasing Nd's nucleus reveals all blue neutrons clustered near the axis of the nucleus. Another image displays Nd within the Periodic Table, with red circles representing protons and neutrons arranged in a simple cubic lattice. The black circles signify protons and neutrons that form the faces of the cube, creating a structure known as the "face-centered cubic" lattice. A separate photograph illustrates the Nd nucleus exploding into its constituent cube and six pyramids. This theoretical model of nuclear structure is not widely accepted by educators.