Question

Hydrogen (H) and helium (He) are produced in the core of stars in a process called nuclear fusion. Over time stars begin to produce more complex atoms as protons are added to the nuclei of existing atoms. Which of the following statements does not correctly compare the structures of an atom of hydrogen to an atom of helium?
A. Hydrogen and helium have 1 electron shell or energy level.
B. Helium is a noble gas with 8 valence electrons, while hydrogen has 1 valence electron
C. Helium has 2 protons in its nucleus while hydrogen has only 1 proton in its nucleus
D. Hydrogen has no neutrons while helium has two.

Answer 1

A C and D are all correct, Helium and Hydrogen only have a 1s orbital, and helium has 2 protons, while hydrogen has 1, and finally Hydrogen has no neutrons while helium has 2. Helium does not however have 8 valence electrons as the 1s orbital can only hold 2, meaning B is the “correct” (false) answer.