proton
/proton/
Definition
- Noun:
- A stable subatomic particle with a positive electric charge: A proton is a fundamental particle found in the nucleus of every atom. Its positive charge is equal in magnitude to the negative charge of an electron.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- A hydrogen atom consists of one proton and one electron.
- The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its atomic number.
- In particle physics, protons are considered baryons, composed of quarks.
Advanced Usage
- "Proton donor": In chemistry, a substance (like an acid) that provides or donates a proton (H⁺ ion) in a reaction.
- In the Brønsted-Lowry theory, an acid is defined as a proton donor.
- "Proton pump": A specialized protein in cell membranes that moves protons across the membrane.
- Proton pumps are essential for creating the energy needed in cellular respiration.
Variants and Related Words
- Protonic (adj): Relating to or involving protons.
- Protonic conductivity is a key property in some fuel cells.
- Protonate (verb): To add a proton to an atom, ion, or molecule.
- The base will protonate the acid, forming a conjugate acid.
Synonyms
- H⁺ (Hydrogen ion): In aqueous chemistry, a proton is often equivalent to a hydrogen ion, though this is a simplification.
- Nucleon: A collective term for protons and neutrons, the particles in an atomic nucleus.
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Proton number: Another term for atomic number (the number of protons in a nucleus).
- Proton beam: A stream of protons accelerated in a particle accelerator, used in research and medicine.
- Proton motive force: In biology, the energy gradient created by proton differences across a membrane, driving ATP synthesis.
Noun
-
a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron
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