What is the deuterium nucleus made up of?a)One proton and two neutronb...
- Deuteron, nucleus of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) that consists of one proton and one neutron.
- Deuterons are formed chiefly by ionizing deuterium (stripping the single electron away from the atom) and are used as projectiles to produce nuclear reactions after accumulating high energies in particle accelerators.
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What is the deuterium nucleus made up of?a)One proton and two neutronb...
Understanding Deuterium
Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen and plays a significant role in various scientific fields, particularly in nuclear physics and chemistry.
Components of the Deuterium Nucleus
- The nucleus of deuterium consists of:
- One Proton: This is the positively charged particle that defines the element as hydrogen.
- One Neutron: This is a neutral particle that adds to the mass of the nucleus but does not affect the charge.
Why Option B is Correct
- The correct answer is option 'B' (One proton and one neutron) because:
- Atomic Structure: Deuterium is represented as ²H or D. The presence of one proton indicates it is a form of hydrogen.
- Neutron Addition: The additional neutron distinguishes deuterium from the most common hydrogen isotope (protium), which has no neutrons.
Comparison with Other Options
- Option A (One proton and two neutrons): This describes an isotope that does not exist in nature.
- Option C (Two protons and one neutron): This configuration would represent helium, not hydrogen.
- Option D (None of the above): Incorrect as option B is indeed the correct answer.
Significance of Deuterium
- Deuterium is used in nuclear fusion research, in tracer studies in chemistry, and as a non-radioactive substitute for hydrogen in various applications.
In summary, the deuterium nucleus is composed of one proton and one neutron, making it a unique and important isotope of hydrogen.