Definition of proton in English:
proton
noun ˈprəʊtɒnˈproʊˌtɑn
Physics A stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron.
Example sentencesExamples
- Its atoms have a nucleus of two protons and two neutrons, orbited by two electrons.
- Overall, atoms are neutral and the number of protons in their nuclei equals the number of electrons.
- The strong force also attracts protons to protons or neutrons to neutrons.
- The matter was composed primarily of an ionized gas of electrons, protons, and helium nuclei.
- An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons; it is the nucleus of a helium atom.
The mass of the proton is 1,836 times greater than that of the electron. The atoms of each chemical element have a characteristic number of protons in the nucleus; this is known as the atomic number. The common isotope of hydrogen has a nucleus consisting of a single proton
Derivatives
adjective prə(ʊ)ˈtɒnɪk
Physics The organic purity of the organoarsenic species was determined by protonic nuclear magnetic resonance.
Example sentencesExamples
- However, the pKa in the range of physiological pH values ensures a high dynamic range of fluorescence modulation by any mechanism based on a distortion of the protonic equilibrium of the chromophore.
- It consists of an interdependence between the electronic and protonic captures, which results from electrostatic interactions between redox and protonatable groups.
- The rate of the former, productive reaction is determined by the protonic conductance of the consumer.
- Another significant methodological choice is whether to use a single-charge model, in which the protonic charge is added at one site, or to use a model in which the charge is spread over the entire group.
Origin
1920s: from Greek, neuter of prōtos 'first'.