Question
Question: The isotopes of hydrogen are: A. Tritium and protium only B. Deuterium and tritium only C. Pro...
The isotopes of hydrogen are:
A. Tritium and protium only
B. Deuterium and tritium only
C. Protium and deuterium only
D. Protium, deuterium and tritium
Solution
Hydrogen atom is usually found as a diatom. It is a tasteless, flammable gaseous substance.it has an atomic number of one. This means that it has only one electron in its atom. Its nucleus has only one proton and thus has +1 charge. Its atomic molecule is symbolised as H2 and thus this atom always exists in a pair.
Complete step-by-step answer: The most important property of hydrogen is that it burns with oxygen. This resulted in the formation of water. Isotopes are naturally occurring in nature. When it comes to hydrogen, there are 3 isotopes which are denoted as 1H(protium),2H(deuterium) and 3H (tritium).
1H (protium) and 2H (deuterium) are known to be the stable isotopes of hydrogen. Where 3H has a half-life of 12.32 years. It is the only element which has isotopes with different names and are in common use today. The symbol used for deuterium is D and the symbol for tritium is T and these are approved by the IUPAC.
Protium is an ordinary isotope of hydrogen as it consists of no neutron. There are various other heavier, unstable isotopes of hydrogen such as 4H−7H which have been synthesised in labs but are not natural.
There are various uses of these isotopes today.
Deuterium is not radioactive, and there isn’t any significant toxicity hazard acknowledged due to it.
Also,
-Water enriched in molecules that include deuterium instead of normal hydrogen is called heavy water.
-Its compounds are used as a non-radioactive label in chemical experiments.
-Heavy water is used as a neutron moderator and coolant for nuclear reactors.
-In nuclear fusions which are commercial, usage as fuel.
Note: Tritium has only one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus. It is known to be radioactive and it can be used in luminous paints and used to make things radiate. It is also found in traces due to the interaction of cosmic rays with the gases present in the atmosphere. In nuclear weapon tests, tritium is released.