How to calculate the mass of a hydrogen atom

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SUMMARY

The mass of a hydrogen atom is accurately calculated as 1.6734×10-24 grams, primarily derived from the mass of a single proton, which is 1.6725×10-24 grams. Hydrogen contains one proton and no neutrons, thus the neutron's mass is irrelevant in this calculation. The confusion arose from mistakenly including neutrons in the mass calculation, leading to incorrect totals. The presence of electrons, while negligible in mass, does not affect the overall mass of the hydrogen atom significantly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding atomic structure, specifically protons and neutrons
  • Basic knowledge of mass measurement in grams
  • Familiarity with the concept of mass number
  • Knowledge of the role of electrons in atomic mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of atomic mass and how it is calculated
  • Learn about the differences between isotopes of hydrogen
  • Explore the role of electrons in atomic structure and mass
  • Study the principles of nuclear physics related to atomic particles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying chemistry, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding atomic mass calculations and the structure of hydrogen.

reemie
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Please post this type of questions in HW section using the template.
The answer according to my booklet is 1.6734×10-24 (g), but I don't understand how we got this answer.

proton: 1.6725×10-24
neutron: 1.6748×10-24
electron: 0.0009×10-24

To get the mass, I added protons with neutrons, but I got 3.3473×10-24.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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Why do you think there is a neutron present?
 
Borek said:
Why do you think there is a neutron present?
Because the mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, correct?

Edit:

I realized that hydrogen doesn't have any neutrons, so we should only consider the protons. But that still gives the wrong answer.

And when I subtract the number of protons from the answer, I get 9x10-28, and I can't figure out where this number came from.
 
Last edited:
reemie said:
Because the mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, correct?

Edit:

I realized that hydrogen doesn't have any neutrons, so we should only consider the protons. But that still gives the wrong answer.

And when I subtract the number of protons from the answer, I get 9x10-28, and I can't figure out where this number came from.
Do you think that the mass of a hydrogen atom might be affected by the presence of another particle, perhaps? Hint: Look at the list in the OP.
 
Hello? The hydrogen you created is a postively charged atom a which not good. soo
 

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