Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

If one neutron is added to a helium nucleus, the result is:

  1. Lithium

  2. Helium

  3. Hydrogen

  4. Carbon
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons (atomic number). Helium has 2 protons. Adding a neutron changes the isotope (to Helium-3 or Helium-4/5) but the element remains Helium. Adding a proton would create Lithium.

AI explanation

To answer this question, we need to understand the composition of a helium nucleus and how adding a neutron affects it.

A helium nucleus consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. When one neutron is added to a helium nucleus, the total number of neutrons becomes 3, while the number of protons remains the same at 2.

Therefore, the resulting nucleus is still a helium nucleus, with 2 protons and 3 neutrons. This means that the correct answer is B) Helium.

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