The atomic mass of tritium is 3.01604928 Daltons (Da).
Tritium, often represented as ³H or T, is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. Unlike protium (¹H) and deuterium (²H), which are stable, tritium undergoes beta decay, transforming into helium-3. Despite its instability, it plays a significant role in various scientific and industrial applications, including nuclear fusion research and self-powered lighting.
Key Characteristics of Tritium
Tritium exhibits several distinct properties that differentiate it from other hydrogen isotopes. Its atomic mass is a fundamental property, but other characteristics also define its behavior and applications.
- Atomic Mass: The precise atomic mass is crucial for understanding its nuclear properties and mass spectrometry.
- Physical State: At standard temperature and pressure (STP), diatomic tritium (T₂ or ³H₂) exists as a gas.
- Chemical Reactivity: Like other hydrogen isotopes, tritium readily combines with oxygen to form water, specifically tritiated water (³H₂O). This compound is chemically identical to ordinary water but contains tritium atoms.
- Melting Point: Tritium has a higher melting point compared to naturally occurring hydrogen. Its melting point is 20.62 Kelvin (K).
The table below summarizes some of tritium's key properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 3.01604928 Da |
| Chemical Symbol | ³H or T |
| Physical State | Gas (as diatomic T₂ at STP) |
| Melting Point | 20.62 K |
| Common Compound | Tritiated Water (³H₂O) |
Tritium in Context
Tritium's unique properties make it valuable in specific scientific and technological fields. For instance, its higher mass compared to protium (¹H) impacts reaction kinetics in chemical processes where isotopic substitution occurs. Its radioactive nature is harnessed in applications such as tritium radioluminescent devices, where the emitted beta particles excite phosphors to produce light without an external power source.
For more detailed information on tritium and its various aspects, you can refer to comprehensive resources like Wikipedia's article on Tritium.
