Why are #"H^+# ion and proton synonymous?

1 Answer
George C.
Mar 25, 2017

See explanation

Explanation:

By far the most common isotope of hydrogen is #""^1H# (a.k.a. protium), which has one electron and a nucleus consisting one proton and no neutrons.

If you make the hydrogren atom into a hydrogen ion by removing an electron, then all you are left with is one proton.

So #""^1H^+# and proton are synonymous.

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Hydrogen has two other isotopes:

  • #""^2H#, also denoted #D# and called deuterium.

  • #""^3H#, also denoted #T# and called tritium.

The ions of these isotopes include respectively one or two neutrons - not just a proton.

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