Nuclear magic numbers refer to specific numbers of protons or neutrons in an atomic nucleus that result in particularly stable configurations. These numbers are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126. Nuclei with these numbers of nucleons (protons and neutrons) are less likely to undergo radioactive decay, making them more stable than those with other configurations. The concept of magic numbers is important in nuclear physics and helps explain the structure of atomic nuclei. It is related to the shell model, which describes how nucleons occupy energy levels within the nucleus, similar to how electrons fill atomic orbitals. Understanding these numbers aids in predicting the behavior of isotopes and the stability of elements.