Mirror nuclei

Mirror nuclei are nuclei where the number of protons of element one (Z₁) equals the number of neutrons of element two (N₂), the number of protons of element two (Z₂) equal the number of neutrons in element one (N₁) and the mass number is the same.

In short, Z₁=N₂ and Z₂=N₁.

Examples of mirror nuclei:

• ³H and ³He Jpi=1/2+
• ¹⁴C and ¹⁴O Jpi=0+
• ¹⁵N and ¹⁵O Jpi=1/2-
• ²⁴Na and ²⁴Al Jpi=4+
• ^24mNa and ^24mAl Jpi=1+

Pairs of mirror nuclei have the same spin and parity. Nuclear isomers may also occur as mirror nuclei.