How do the structure of the atoms of Hydrogen and Helium differ?

Question

Peyton Adams · Accepted Answer

The structures differ in the number of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Most of the time, hydrogen contains no neutrons and only one proton. (With only one proton in hydrogen, there is no positive to positive repulsion and hence no need for neutrons.) Helium has two protons and requires at least two neutrons to provide stability and hold the positively charged protons together. Hydrogen has only 1 electron in the 1 s energy shell # 1s^1# This means that Hydrogen is not stable as a single atom. Hydrogen must join with another Hydrogen #H_2# or another atom to fill the 1s orbital. Helium has 2 electrons in the 1 s energy shell # 1s^2# This means the Helium is stable as a single atom and does not join with another Helium or other atoms.

Henry Antrim · Answer

undefined The primary distinction between the atomic numbers and electron configurations of hydrogen and helium is that the former has two protons and two electrons in its neutral state, while the latter has one proton and usually one electron; additionally, helium has a second shell that is filled with two electrons, whereas hydrogen's first shell is empty; and finally, helium has two protons and two electrons.