Tritium, deuterium and protium are the three existing isotopes of hydrogen and each of the three isotopes of hydrogen consists of its own unique qualities. Tritium is the most stable isotope with 7H being the least stable of all and 5H is the most stable of all the isotopes. The 7H and 5H isotopes are in the laboratory.
Hydrogen with an atomic number of 1 is the first element of the periodic table. Isotopes can be defined as elements that consist of different mass numbers but the same atomic numbers. 1H1, 1H2, 1H3 are the three different types of hydrogen. 1H1 is known as Protium and denoted by P, 1H2 is known as Deuterium and is denoted by D and lastly, 1H3 is known as Tritium and is denoted by T. The presence of the varied number of neutrons differ these neutrons from each other.
Protium consists of neutrons whereas the tritium and deuterium consist of two neutrons and one neutron respectively. Protium is the most prominent form of hydrogen present. Deuterium consists of 0.0156% of the earth’s surface. 1018 atoms of protium are the concentration present in tritium.
Tritium emits low energy 𝝱 particles and is the lone isotope that is radioactive in nature out of the 3 isotopes of hydrogen present. All the isotopes have the same chemical properties and the electronic configuration of the isotopes will be the same. Due to the dissociation of enthalpies of the different bonds the isotopes vary in the rate of their reaction. Owing to their huge variations in the mass the isotopes pursue various physical properties.
The Three different types of Isotopes.
- Protium: Denoted with the symbol of 1H, protium is one of the three isotopes of hydrogen. With the presence of 99.98%, the isotope is largely abundant in nature. One of the few prominent reasons for the prominent abundance of this isotope is the presence of a single proton in the nucleus. 1.007825 amu is the mass of protium. Usually found in diatomic hydrogen gas, the hydrogen combines with other atoms in compounds.
- Deuterium: Denoted with the symbol of 2H, deuterium owns one proton and a neutron in the nucleus. Deuterium is termed as nucleus 2 of the hydrogen. Deuterium isn’t a radioactive isotope. The compounds of the isotope are used as the solvent of hydrogen 1 and are being utilised in the chemical analysis. This isotope of hydrogen has been used as a neutron moderator and is also used as the coolant. The isotope is also used in nuclear fusion as a fuel. It is a naturally occurring deuterium gas. This isotope of hydrogen consists of various benefits and is thus utilised in nuclear weapons, drugs, contrast properties, in nuclear plants and in tracing.
- Tritium: Denoted with the symbol of 3H, the isotope consists of a proton and a couple of neutrons in the nucleus. The synergy of cosmic rays with atmospheric gases makes the traces of this isotope occur in nature. Tritium is also released during the conduction of nuclear tests in a small percentage. It’s a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. 3.0160492 happens to be the atomic mass of the tritium isotope of hydrogen. Some of the prominent applications of tritium include in analytical chemistry, in nuclear weapons, in self-powered lighting, in neutron initiator, as a booster and so on.
Hydrogen 4: This isotope consists of 3 neutrons and a proton in the nucleus. This isotope of hydrogen is one of the most unstable isotopes. In laboratories, the isotope has been incorporated bombarding with fast-moving nuclei of deuterium.
Hydrogen 5: This isotope consists of 4 neutrons and a proton in the nucleus. This isotope of hydrogen is one of the most unstable isotopes. . In laboratories, the isotope has been incorporated bombarding with fast-moving nuclei of deuterium.
Hydrogen 6: Two hundred and ninety (290) yoctoseconds is the half-life of the hydrogen 6 isotope. It decays due to the emission of a triple neutron into hydrogen 3.
Hydrogen 7: This isotope of hydrogen consists of one proton and six neutrons. 23 arcseconds are the half-life of this isotope of hydrogen.
Conclusion:
Isotopes are elements that consist of different mass numbers but the same atomic numbers. Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table consisting of three isotopes that have been listed above. The isotopes like Deuterium and Tritium have various uses.