How do the structure of the atoms of Hydrogen and Helium differ?

1 Answer
David Drayer
Sep 6, 2016

The structures differ in the number of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Explanation:

Hydrogen has only one proton and most commonly has no neutrons.

Helium has two protons and needs to have at least two neutrons to provide stability and hold the positively charged protons together.
( With only one proton in Hydrogen there is no positive to positive repulsion and so no need of neutrons.)

Hydrogen has only 1 electron in the 1 s energy shell # 1s^1#
This means that Hydrogen is not stable as a single atom. Hydrogen must join with another Hydrogen #H_2# or another atom to fill the 1s orbital.

Helium has 2 electrons in the 1 s energy shell # 1s^2#
This means the Helium is stable as a single atom and does not join with another Helium or other atoms.

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