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Adeonaja
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One proton in H, two in Li etc. How do we come to know about it? And same with neuteons too.
How do we know there is one proton in H?
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In summary, the discovery and understanding of protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei was a complex process that involved the work of scientists such as Lavoisier, Henry Moseley, and Ernest Rutherford. It was not until the early 1930s that the concept of the neutron as a massive neutral particle was established. This history serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the physicists of that time period.
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sophiecentaur
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Hi. There is a very long story associated with this. It starts with the very first ideas about moving from the elements Air, Earth, Fire and Water model to the Chemical Elements. Lavoisier isolated a number of the Elements and tried to put them in an order. Read about him here and elsewhere.
Measuring the masses of nuclei was initially done by weighing chemical compounds but now we use a Mass Spectrometer (look it up) for Ions.
Measuring the masses of nuclei was initially done by weighing chemical compounds but now we use a Mass Spectrometer (look it up) for Ions.
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jtbell
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You might try reading about Henry Moseley and Moseley's Law which firmly established the concept of atomic number:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Moseley
and about Ernest Rutherford who established that "the hydrogen nucleus is present in other nuclei":
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton
After that, physicists thought for a while that atomic nuclei contained protons (which contributed the mass), and electrons (which neutralized the charge of some of the protons). The concept of the neutron as a massive neutral particle (replacing the proton+electron combination) came around 1930-1932.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_the_neutron
Yes, the history is complicated and messy.
One has to have great respect for the physicists of the 1900-1935 period who struggled to make sense of what they observed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Moseley
and about Ernest Rutherford who established that "the hydrogen nucleus is present in other nuclei":
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton
After that, physicists thought for a while that atomic nuclei contained protons (which contributed the mass), and electrons (which neutralized the charge of some of the protons). The concept of the neutron as a massive neutral particle (replacing the proton+electron combination) came around 1930-1932.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_the_neutron
Yes, the history is complicated and messy.
One has to have great respect for the physicists of the 1900-1935 period who struggled to make sense of what they observed.
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Related to How do we know there is one proton in H?
1. How do we know that there is one proton in H?
The number of protons in an element is determined by its atomic number, which is a unique identifier for each element. The atomic number of hydrogen is 1, which means it has one proton in its nucleus.
2. What evidence do we have for the existence of one proton in H?
Scientists have used various techniques such as mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography to study the structure of atoms. These experiments have consistently shown that hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, indicating the presence of one proton in its nucleus.
3. Can we physically observe the presence of one proton in H?
While we cannot directly observe individual protons, their presence can be indirectly confirmed through experiments such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactions. These experiments provide evidence for the existence of protons in atoms, including hydrogen.
4. How do we know that there is only one proton in H and not more?
The atomic number of an element is a fundamental property that does not change. Since hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, it will always have one proton in its nucleus. This has been confirmed through various experiments and observations.
5. What happens if an element has more or less than one proton?
The number of protons in an element determines its atomic number and therefore its identity. Elements with different numbers of protons are different elements with distinct properties. For example, helium has two protons and is a completely different element from hydrogen. Changing the number of protons in an element would result in a different element with different chemical and physical properties.
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