The nucleus of a hydrogen atom can be represented by this symbol:
\[^{1}_{1}H\]
(i) Complete this sentence by putting a cross (\(\times\)) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 6
The nucleus of a hydrogen atom can be represented by this symbol:
\[^{1}_{1}H\]
(i) Complete this sentence by putting a cross (\(\times\)) in the box next to your ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The nucleus of a hydrogen atom can be represented by this symbol:
\[^{1}_{1}H\]
(i) Complete this sentence by putting a cross (\(\times\)) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete this sentence by putting a cross (\(\times\)) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
The correct answer is B, which indicates that the nucleus consists of 1 proton only. In hydrogen, there is no neutron present.
Step 2
State how these symbols show that they are isotopes of hydrogen.
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Answer
The symbols ( ^{2}{1}D ) and ( ^{3}{1}T ) indicate that both isotopes have the same number of protons (which is 1) but different numbers of neutrons: deuterium has 1 neutron and tritium has 2 neutrons.
Step 3
Compare the charges of a helium nucleus and a neutron.
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Answer
The helium nucleus has a positive charge due to the presence of 2 protons, giving it a charge of +2. In contrast, a neutron has no charge; it is neutral.