Apprentice Lineman Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Exam Success!

A hydrogen atom contains one proton and one electron. This is because the atomic number of hydrogen is 1, which signifies that it has one proton in its nucleus. To maintain electrical neutrality, an atom must have an equal number of protons (which are positively charged) and electrons (which are negatively charged). Therefore, in a neutral hydrogen atom, there is also one electron orbiting the nucleus.

The other options don't align with the fundamental properties of a hydrogen atom. For instance, a hydrogen atom cannot have more than one proton, as that would classify it as a different element altogether. Similarly, options that suggest an unequal number of protons to electrons would result in a charged ion rather than a neutral atom. Thus, having one proton and one electron is essential for identifying a hydrogen atom in its simplest form.