Proton and deuteron are differentiated by their

Options

A. number of protons.
B. number of neutrons
C. number of electrons.
D. charges.

Answer

To differentiate between a proton and a deuteron, we need to understand their basic properties, particularly focusing on their composition in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Proton and Deuteron**:
- A **proton** is a subatomic particle with a positive charge, represented as \( ^1H \) or \( p \). It has:
- Atomic number (Z) = 1
- Mass number (A) = 1
- Number of neutrons (N) = A - Z = 1 - 1 = 0
- A **deuteron** is an isotope of hydrogen, represented as \( ^2H \) or \( d \). It has:
- Atomic number (Z) = 1
- Mass number (A) = 2
- Number of neutrons (N) = A - Z = 2 - 1 = 1

2. **Comparison of Neutrons**:
- The key difference between a proton and a deuteron lies in their number of neutrons:
- Proton: 0 neutrons
- Deuteron: 1 neutron

3. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, protons and deuterons are differentiated by their **number of neutrons**. The proton has no neutrons, while the deuteron has one neutron.

### Final Answer:
Proton and deuteron are differentiated by their **number of neutrons**.

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