Which symbol represents a proton particle?

Which symbol represents a proton particle?

• A. ₂⁴He
• B. ₀¹n
• C. ₁¹H
• D. −₁⁰e

Answer: (C)

In nuclear notation, the mass number A is the total number of nucleons, and the atomic number Z is the number of protons. A single proton has A = 1 and Z = 1, so the symbol with superscript 1 and subscript 1 to hydrogen indicates hydrogen-1, which is a nucleus consisting of one proton. The helium-4 symbol shows Z = 2 and A = 4, a nucleus with two protons and two neutrons. The neutron symbol has Z = 0 and A = 1, a neutral particle. The electron carries a negative charge and is not a nucleus. Therefore, the symbol ₁¹H represents a proton.

In nuclear notation, the mass number A is the total number of nucleons, and the atomic number Z is the number of protons. A single proton has A = 1 and Z = 1, so the symbol with superscript 1 and subscript 1 to hydrogen indicates hydrogen-1, which is a nucleus consisting of one proton. The helium-4 symbol shows Z = 2 and A = 4, a nucleus with two protons and two neutrons. The neutron symbol has Z = 0 and A = 1, a neutral particle. The electron carries a negative charge and is not a nucleus. Therefore, the symbol ₁¹H represents a proton.