4.1.9

Isotopes

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Isotopes

Atoms of the same element always have the same number of protons (or have the same atomic number). However, atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons. We call these different isotopes. Hydrogen has 3 different isotopes:

Illustrative background for ProtiumIllustrative background for Protium ?? "content

Protium

  • Protium is a hydrogen atom with 1 proton and 0 neutrons.
  • 99.98% of hydrogen atoms are protium.
  • It is used in hydrogen fuel cells and the production of plastics.
Illustrative background for DeuteriumIllustrative background for Deuterium ?? "content

Deuterium

  • Deuterium is a hydrogen atom with 1 proton and 1 neutron.
  • Around 0.02% of hydrogen atoms are deuterium.
  • It is used in nuclear fusion.
Illustrative background for TritiumIllustrative background for Tritium ?? "content

Tritium

  • Tritium is a hydrogen atom with 1 proton and 2 neutrons.
  • It is very rare.
  • It is used in thermonuclear fusion weapons.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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