Question

Name the subatomic particles of the atom. Describe their charge, atomic mass, and location in the atom. (pages \(20-21\) ).

Short answer

The three main subatomic particles in an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge (+1), an atomic mass of about 1 amu, and are located in the nucleus. Neutrons are neutral, have an atomic mass of about 1 amu, and are also located in the nucleus. Electrons have a negative charge (-1), a negligible atomic mass of approximately \(9.11 \times 10^{-31}\) kg, and are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Step-by-step solution

1. Protons

Protons are one of the three main subatomic particles found in an atom. They have a positive charge (+1) and are located in the nucleus (center) of the atom. Protons have an atomic mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

2. Neutrons

Neutrons are also one of the three main subatomic particles found in an atom. They have no charge (neutral) and are also located in the nucleus of the atom. Neutrons have an atomic mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

3. Electrons

Electrons are the third main subatomic particle found in an atom. They have a negative charge (-1) and are located outside the nucleus, in the electron cloud that surrounds the atom. Electrons have a very small atomic mass, approximately \(9.11 \times 10^{-31}\) kg, which is so small compared to the mass of protons and neutrons that it is often considered negligible. Now you have learned about the three main subatomic particles: protons, which have a positive charge and are located in the nucleus; neutrons, which have no charge and are also found in the nucleus; and electrons, which have a negative charge and are located outside the nucleus in the electron cloud.