Protium

Protium is the most common isotope of hydrogen, with a single proton and no neutrons in its nucleus. It is also known as hydrogen-1, and it makes up about 99.98% of naturally occurring hydrogen on Earth.

Atomic Structure

The atomic structure of protium consists of a single proton in the nucleus, orbited by a single electron. The atomic number of protium is 1, and its atomic mass is approximately 1.0078 atomic mass units (u).

Properties

Protium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at standard temperature and pressure. It is the lightest of all the chemical elements, and it is highly reactive. Protium readily forms compounds with other elements, particularly in the form of hydrogen gas (H₂).

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about protium:

1. Protium is the most abundant isotope of hydrogen, making up about 99.98% of natural hydrogen.
2. It has a single proton in its nucleus and a single electron orbiting the nucleus.
3. Protium is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with other elements.
4. Its atomic number is 1, and its atomic mass is approximately 1.0078 u.
5. Protium is used in various industrial processes, such as in the production of ammonia and in hydrogenation reactions.

Understanding the properties and uses of protium is important in the study of chemistry and physics, particularly in the fields of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and nuclear reactions.