vätekärnor

Vätekärnor, often referred to as atomic nuclei of hydrogen, are the simplest atomic nuclei. Hydrogen, as the first element in the periodic table, has an atomic number of one, meaning its nucleus contains a single proton. This is the most common form of a hydrogen nucleus, known as a protium nucleus, and consists of just one proton.

Isotopes of hydrogen, however, have different neutron counts in their nuclei. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing one proton and one neutron. This is also called a deuteron. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus with one proton and two neutrons. This is known as a triton.

The nucleus of hydrogen is fundamental in nuclear physics and astrophysics. The fusion of hydrogen nuclei is the primary energy source for stars, including our Sun, through processes like the proton-proton chain reaction and the CNO cycle. In these reactions, hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy. The study of these nuclei has been crucial in understanding nuclear forces and the early universe.