Maximum sum of the number of neutrons and protons in an isotope of hydrogen

Options

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3

Answer

To solve the question regarding the maximum sum of the number of neutrons and protons in an isotope of hydrogen, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the isotopes of hydrogen
Hydrogen has three main isotopes:
1. Protium (¹H) - Mass number = 1
2. Deuterium (²H) - Mass number = 2
3. Tritium (³H) - Mass number = 3

### Step 2: Determine the number of protons and neutrons for each isotope
- **Protium (¹H)**:
- Number of protons = 1 (atomic number)
- Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 1 - 1 = 0
- Sum = Protons + Neutrons = 1 + 0 = 1

- **Deuterium (²H)**:
- Number of protons = 1 (atomic number)
- Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 2 - 1 = 1
- Sum = Protons + Neutrons = 1 + 1 = 2

- **Tritium (³H)**:
- Number of protons = 1 (atomic number)
- Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 3 - 1 = 2
- Sum = Protons + Neutrons = 1 + 2 = 3

### Step 3: Find the maximum sum
Now, we compare the sums calculated for each isotope:
- Protium: 1
- Deuterium: 2
- Tritium: 3

The maximum sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an isotope of hydrogen is **3** (for Tritium).

### Conclusion
Therefore, the answer to the question is **3**.

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