How to calculate the mass of a hydrogen atom

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the mass of a hydrogen atom, focusing on the contributions of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Participants explore the reasoning behind the mass values and the correct approach to arrive at the mass of hydrogen, which is primarily a conceptual and mathematical inquiry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the mass of a hydrogen atom is given as 1.6734×10-24 g but expresses confusion over how this value is derived.
  • Another participant questions the assumption that hydrogen contains a neutron, prompting a clarification that hydrogen typically has no neutrons.
  • A participant realizes that only the mass of the proton should be considered for hydrogen, yet still arrives at an incorrect total mass.
  • There is a mention of subtracting the number of protons from a calculated value, leading to an unexplained result of 9×10-28, which raises further questions about the calculation process.
  • One participant suggests that the mass of a hydrogen atom might be influenced by the presence of another particle, hinting at additional complexities in the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method for calculating the mass of a hydrogen atom, and there are competing views regarding the presence of neutrons and the implications for the mass calculation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about particle presence and the mathematical steps taken to arrive at the mass. The calculations presented are not fully resolved, and the source of the derived values remains unclear.

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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