2.3.1

Isotopes

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Isotopes

Every atom of the same element will contain an identical number of protons (the same atomic number). But atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons: these atoms are known as isotopes. Hydrogen has 3 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

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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