GChem: Atomic Theory

[pnoybballin]

E = -2.178x10^-18 (Z^2 / n^2) J

What is the ionization energy for Hydrogen?

A. 1.634 x 10^-18
B. 2.178 x 10^-18
C. 4.356 x 10^-18
D. 8.712 x 10^-18

The answer is B but my question has to do with why is Z = 1? Wouldn't Z for H be 0?

Thanks a lot guys!

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[Bacchus]

Z is the nuclear charge which is equal to the atomic number. Z = 1 for hydrogen since it is the first element.

 

[pnoybballin]

Z is the nuclear charge which is equal to the atomic number. Z = 1 for hydrogen since it is the first element.

Doh . Make sense. Thanks a lot!