Simple parametrization of single- and two-nucleon separation energies in terms of the neutron to proton ratio N/Z

It is shown that single- and two-nucleon separation energies can be paramet rized in a new way using the neutron to proton ratio N/Z and the mass numbe r A. Very simple empirical formulas have been achieved using a least square s fit to all available experimental data. As an example, the resulting neut ron separation energies are compared to results from several mass formulas currently in use. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.