Question

Two freshmen disagree about an aspect of chemistry. The nursing major insists that \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)is the symbol for a hydrogen ion. The physics major insists that \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)is the symbol for a proton. How can you help them resolve their disagreement?

Short answer

Both students are correct. A \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) ion is indeed a hydrogen atom that has lost its electron, leaving just a proton. Simultaneously, a \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) ion is also simply a proton, as the hydrogen atom only consists of one proton and one electron, and upon ionization, the electron is lost.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding an Ion

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more of its valence electrons, giving it a positive or negative charge. In the case of a hydrogen ion, denoted by \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\), this refers to a hydrogen atom that has lost its single electron. As such, a hydrogen ion solely consists of one proton.

Understanding a Proton

A proton is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom. It carries a positive electrical charge. In a hydrogen atom (which has just one proton and one electron), when it loses its electron it becomes a positively charged proton.

Providing Resolution

From the above, we can conclude that both students are correct. A \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) ion is indeed a hydrogen atom that has lost its electron, leaving just a proton. Simultaneously, a \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) ion is also simply a proton, as the hydrogen atom only consists of one proton and one electron, and upon ionisation, the electron is lost.

Key concepts

Ionization

Ionization is a fundamental chemical process where an atom or molecule acquires a positive or negative charge by gaining or losing electrons. This process alters the electrical charge of an atom or molecule, creating ions. In the context of a hydrogen atom, which has one proton and one electron, ionization occurs when the atom loses its sole electron. After losing this electron, the hydrogen atom becomes a hydrogen ion, symbolized as \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \). This means that the hydrogen ion is composed only of a proton, since all of its electrons have been removed.

Ionization can occur naturally, such as in the ionosphere due to solar radiation, or artificially, in devices like batteries or fuel cells where ion flow generates electric current. Understanding ionization is crucial in various fields of science, including chemistry, physics, and environmental science, as it is integral to many reactions and processes.

Proton

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles that, along with neutrons, make up an atom's nucleus. Each proton is made up of three quarks and possesses a fundamental charge, which is the positive charge that balances the negative charge of electrons in a neutral atom. The number of protons found in the nucleus defines the atomic number of an element and, therefore, its identity on the periodic table.

For hydrogen, which is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, the atom typically consists of one proton and one electron. When hydrogen ionizes and loses its electron, what remains is essentially a proton, which is then symbolically represented as \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \). This unique property of hydrogen demonstrates the proton's significant role not only as a nuclear particle but also as an independent ion when hydrogen is involved.

Subatomic Particles

Subatomic particles are the building blocks of atoms, comprising protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons form the atomic nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus in various energy levels or shells. Each type of subatomic particle plays a distinct role in the atom's structure and behavior.

Electrons, with their negative charge, are involved in bonding and chemical reactions. Protons, carrying a positive charge, determine the atomic number and the element's identity. Neutrons, being neutral, contribute to the mass of the atom and can affect its stability. Understanding subatomic particles is vital because their arrangement and interactions govern the properties of matter and the various phenomena observed in both chemistry and physics.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons located in an atom's outermost electron shell and are responsible for the chemical properties of the element, including its reactivity and bonding behavior. In the hydrogen atom, there is only one valence electron, which is also the only electron in the atom. This electron can be lost or shared with other atoms during chemical reactions, forming ionic or covalent bonds, respectively.

When a hydrogen atom loses its valence electron through ionization, it becomes a hydrogen ion (\(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)). The loss of valence electrons has major implications in chemistry, as it results in the formation of ions, which are crucial players in the vast world of chemical compounds and reactions. It is the interaction between valence electrons of different atoms that leads to the rich diversity of substances found in the world.