AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/663-proton
Expert Written
|
Fact Checked
|
Sources Cited
|
AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / Notation
¹₁H (proton, p)
Also Known As
Hydrogen ion (H⁺), hydron, proton (subatomic), ¹H nucleus
What is Proton?
A subatomic particle in the nucleus with a positive charge of +1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs and a mass of 1.673 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element. In acid-base chemistry, a proton is equivalent to a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
Formula & Notation
¹₁H (proton, p)
Other Names / Synonyms: Hydrogen ion (H⁺), hydron, proton (subatomic), ¹H nucleus
Properties & Characteristics
The proton is a subatomic particle with a positive charge of +1 (in units of elementary charge e), a rest mass of 1.00728 amu (938.3 MeV/c²), and quark composition (uud). It is a constituent of all atomic nuclei (the number of protons = atomic number Z). In chemistry, "proton" often refers to the hydrogen ion H⁺ (a bare proton in the gas phase, or solvated hydronium H₃O⁺ in water). Proton transfer is the basis of Brønsted-Lowry acid-base chemistry.
Uses & Applications
Protons are used in: nuclear reactions (proton beams in particle accelerators), proton therapy for cancer (high-LET radiation deposits energy precisely at the Bragg peak), proton NMR (¹H spin = ½, used in NMR spectroscopy), fuel cells (proton exchange membrane, PEM, where protons migrate through Nafion membrane), and as the fundamental unit of acid-base chemistry.
Safety Information
High-energy proton beams (particle therapy, accelerators) cause ionising radiation injury. Proton NMR instruments with superconducting magnets present strong magnetic field hazards. In chemistry, "protons" as H⁺ in concentrated strong acids are the source of corrosivity — high [H₃O⁺] causes severe burns.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsHydrogen ion (H⁺), hydron, proton (subatomic), ¹H nucleus
Frequently Asked Questions
A subatomic particle in the nucleus with a positive charge of +1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs and a mass of 1.673 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. The number of protons (atomic number) defines the element. In acid-base chemistry, a proton is equivalent to a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
Protons are used in: nuclear reactions (proton beams in particle accelerators), proton therapy for cancer (high-LET radiation deposits energy precisely at the Bragg peak), proton NMR (¹H spin = ½, used in NMR spectroscopy), fuel cells (proton exchange membrane, PEM, where protons migrate through Naf…
High-energy proton beams (particle therapy, accelerators) cause ionising radiation injury. Proton NMR instruments with superconducting magnets present strong magnetic field hazards. In chemistry, "protons" as H⁺ in concentrated strong acids are the source of corrosivity — high [H₃O⁺] causes severe b…
The formula or notation for Proton is: ¹₁H (proton, p)
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
