Hydrogen isotopes (nuclear composition): The nucleus of a hydrogen atom (protium) consists of which particles? Consider the most abundant isotope of hydrogen. Choose the correct option.

Q: Hydrogen isotopes (nuclear composition): The nucleus of a hydrogen atom (protium) consists of which particles? Consider the most abundant isotope of hydrogen. Choose the correct option.

Concept/Approach Natural hydrogen is mostly protium (¹H) with a nucleus of one proton only. Deuterium (²H) has 1 p + 1 n; tritium (³H) has 1 p + 2 n.

Difficulty: Easy

1 proton only
1 proton + 2 neutrons
1 neutron only
1 electron only

Correct Answer: 1 proton only

Explanation:

Concept/Approach
Natural hydrogen is mostly protium (¹H) with a nucleus of one proton only. Deuterium (²H) has 1 p + 1 n; tritium (³H) has 1 p + 2 n.

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