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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

Write the names of isotopes of hydrogen. What is the mass ratio of these isotopes ?

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12 Years agoGrade 12
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

Hydrogen is a fascinating element because it has three distinct isotopes, each with unique properties. The names of these isotopes are:

  • Protium (¹H) - This is the most common isotope, consisting of one proton and no neutrons.
  • Deuterium (²H or D) - This isotope has one proton and one neutron, making it twice as heavy as protium.
  • Tritium (³H or T) - Tritium contains one proton and two neutrons, and it is radioactive.

Now, let's delve into the mass ratios of these isotopes. The atomic masses of the isotopes are approximately:

  • Protium: 1.00784 u (atomic mass units)
  • Deuterium: 2.01410 u
  • Tritium: 3.01605 u

To understand the mass ratios, we can compare the masses of deuterium and tritium to protium. The mass ratio can be calculated by dividing the mass of each isotope by the mass of protium:

  • Mass ratio of Deuterium to Protium: 2.01410 u / 1.00784 u ≈ 2.00
  • Mass ratio of Tritium to Protium: 3.01605 u / 1.00784 u ≈ 2.99

This means that deuterium is about twice as heavy as protium, while tritium is nearly three times as heavy. These differences in mass are significant in various scientific applications, such as nuclear fusion and isotopic labeling in chemical reactions.

In summary, the isotopes of hydrogen—protium, deuterium, and tritium—each have distinct masses that contribute to their unique behaviors in chemical and physical processes. Understanding these isotopes and their mass ratios is essential in fields ranging from chemistry to nuclear physics.