Exercises · 9.2
Q.Write the names of isotopes of hydrogen. What is the mass ratio of these isotopes?
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✓ Free question
Hydrogen has three naturally-occurring isotopes, all with atomic number 1 (one proton, one electron) but differing in the number of neutrons:
| Isotope | Symbol | Protons | Neutrons | Mass number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protium | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deuterium | (D) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Tritium | (T) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Since the mass numbers are 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the mass ratio of protium : deuterium : tritium is 1 : 2 : 3.
Protium is by far the most abundant (~99.98%); deuterium occurs in trace amounts (~0.015%, found in heavy water D2O); tritium is radioactive and occurs in only minute traces (formed in the upper atmosphere by cosmic-ray reactions, or produced artificially in nuclear reactors).
✓Final answer
Protium (¹H), Deuterium (²H/D), Tritium (³H/T); mass ratio = 1 : 2 : 3.
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