Understanding the Hydrogen Atom

In atomic physics, different elements are defined by the number of protons in their nuclei, a property known as atomic number. Each element also has a characteristic number of neutrons and electrons. When atoms gain or lose electrons, they can become ions, which carry a charge. The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons.

Consider the hydrogen atom, which has one proton and most commonly one neutron, giving it a mass number of 1. When hydrogen loses its electron, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a proton. Understanding these basic concepts of atomic structure is essential in physics and chemistry.