Question:

The total number of electrons, protons and neutrons present in the three isotopes of hydrogen is

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When counting subatomic particles, remember that isotopes differ only in neutron count; the proton and electron counts remain constant for all neutral isotopes of the same element.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The isotopes of an element are atoms that have the same number of protons and electrons (defining the element) but differ in the number of neutrons within the nucleus. Hydrogen's three natural isotopes are Protium (\(^1_1H\)), Deuterium (\(^2_1H\)), and Tritium (\(^3_1H\)).

Step 1: Analyze Protium (\(^1H\)).
Protium is the most common isotope. It contains 1 proton, 1 electron, and 0 neutrons (since Mass Number 1 - Atomic Number 1 = 0). Total particles = \(1 + 1 + 0 = 2\).

Step 2: Analyze Deuterium (\(^2H\)).
Deuterium contains 1 proton, 1 electron, and 1 neutron (Mass Number 2 - Atomic Number 1 = 1). Total particles = \(1 + 1 + 1 = 3\).

Step 3: Analyze Tritium (\(^3H\)).
Tritium is the radioactive isotope. It contains 1 proton, 1 electron, and 2 neutrons (Mass Number 3 - Atomic Number 1 = 2). Total particles = \(1 + 1 + 2 = 4\).

Step 4: Calculate the grand total.
The question asks for the total number of subatomic particles across all three isotopes combined: \(\text{Total} = (\text{Particles in Protium}) + (\text{Particles in Deuterium}) + (\text{Particles in Tritium})\) \(\text{Total} = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9\).
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