Chapter EH, Problem 1R

Solution

Interpretation : Hydrogen isotopes are to be compared and contrasted.

Concept Introduction : Hydrogen belongs to the group 1 element because it only contains one valence electron. Atoms that have different numbers of neutrons and masses but the same number of protons are called isotopes.

Differing hydrogen isotopes have different numbers of neutrons despite having the same number of electrons and protons.

There are three typical isotopes of hydrogen.

The most common isotope with one proton, one electron, and no neutrons is called protium.

One proton, one neutron, and one electron are present in deuterium, commonly known as heavy hydrogen.

The radioactive isotope is tritium, which consists of one proton, two neutrons, and one electron.

The only difference between the hydrogen isotopes is the number of neutrons; they all have the same number of protons and electrons.