Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in one \({ }^{1} \mathrm{H}^{+}\) ion. Describe the thinking used to determine each value.

The number of protons in an atom serves as its unique identifier, akin to a fingerprint. This fundamental characteristic of an atom is referred to as the atomic number, and it provides the basis for the element's position in the periodic table. For example, the element hydrogen is designated by the symbol 'H', with an atomic number of 1. This means that every hydrogen atom contains exactly one proton in its nucleus. When we come across an ion like \( { }^{1}\mathrm{H}^{+} \) in an exercise, identifying the atomic number instantly tells us that there is 1 proton present.

It is paramount for students to understand that regardless of the atom's charge or the presence of isotopes, the number of protons within an element remains constant. The atomic number is always displayed as a whole number and cannot be fractional or variable, ensuring a clear identification of each element.

When it comes to neutrons, these subatomic particles contribute to the atom's mass but not its charge. Unlike protons, the number of neutrons can vary even within atoms of the same element, hence creating different isotopes. The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom is known as the atomic mass.

In our example with the ion \( { }^{1}\mathrm{H}^{+} \) , the superscript '1' is not just part of the chemical symbol; it indicates the atomic mass. To find the number of neutrons, students must subtract the number of protons from this atomic mass. Since hydrogen's atomic mass is 1 and we've established there is 1 proton, we simply perform the calculation 1 - 1 = 0. This result confirms that the ion in question has zero neutrons, a characteristic of most hydrogen atoms. Through this exercise, it's crucial to grasp that certain elements, like hydrogen, can have isotopes with different numbers of neutrons but always the same number of protons.

Electrons are key players in an atom's reactivity and its ability to bond with other atoms. These negatively charged particles orbit the nucleus, and in a neutral atom, their number equals the number of protons. However, when atoms gain or lose electrons, they become ions.

As indicated by the plus sign in \( { }^{1}\mathrm{H}^{+} \) , the hydrogen ion carries a positive charge, which means it has fewer electrons than protons. In a neutral hydrogen atom, there would be 1 electron, but in this case, the positive charge tells us that it has lost an electron. Therefore, the total number of electrons in this ion is 0. This concept underscores the relationship between charge and the number of electrons; a positive charge indicates a loss of electrons, while a negative charge signals a gain. Understanding this relationship is fundamental in predicting chemical behavior and the formation of bonds in compounds.