Question

the element hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes, h - 1, h - 2, h - 3. what is the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in h - 3, or tritium? a 1 proton, 1 neutron, 1 electron b 1 proton, 2 neutrons, 1 electron c 1 proton, 1 neutron, 3 electrons d 2 protons, 1 neutrons, 1 electron

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - number and mass - number concepts

The atomic number of hydrogen is 1, which means the number of protons is 1 for all hydrogen isotopes. The mass - number of H - 3 (tritium) is 3.

Step2: Calculate the number of neutrons

The mass - number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Let \(n\) be the number of neutrons, \(p\) be the number of protons. We know \(p = 1\) and mass - number \(A=3\). Using the formula \(A=p + n\), we get \(n=A - p\). Substituting the values, \(n = 3-1=2\).

Step3: Determine the number of electrons

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since hydrogen is neutral, the number of electrons is 1.

Answer:

1 proton, 2 neutrons, 1 electron (Option B)