Question

Identify each of the following as describing cither a proton, neutron, or electron: a. has the smallest mass b. has a \(1+\) charge c. is found outside the nucleus d. is electrically neutral

Short answer

a. Electron, b. Proton, c. Electron, d. Neutron.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the particle with the smallest mass

Among protons, neutrons, and electrons, the electron has the smallest mass. It is significantly lighter compared to protons and neutrons.

Identify the particle with a +1 charge

The proton has a positive charge of +1. It is one of the fundamental charges in an atom.

Identify the particle found outside the nucleus

Electrons are found outside the nucleus. They occupy the electron cloud around the nucleus.

Identify the electrically neutral particle

The neutron is electrically neutral, meaning it has no charge.

Key concepts

Proton

Protons are one of the three primary subatomic particles found in an atom. These particles carry a positive electric charge of +1. They reside in the atom's nucleus along with neutrons. The presence of protons in the nucleus determines the element's identity. For example, if an atom has one proton, it is hydrogen. If it has six protons, it is carbon. Protons are relatively heavy particles and have nearly the same mass as neutrons, approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu) each.

The number of protons defines the atomic number and thus the element itself. Remember:

• Proton = Positive (+) charge
• Found in the nucleus
• Helps in determining the atomic number

Protons also play a crucial role in the stability of the nucleus and participate in nuclear reactions. Their interaction with electrons through electrostatic forces ensures the atom remains stable overall.

Neutron

Neutrons are another main type of subatomic particle found in an atom, residing in the nucleus alongside protons. Unlike protons and electrons, neutrons carry no electric charge, making them electrically neutral. They were discovered by James Chadwick in 1932.

Neutrons contribute significantly to the mass of the atom and affect its stability. They have a mass almost equal to that of protons, about 1 amu. The presence of neutrons helps to hold the nucleus together through the strong nuclear force, especially in atoms with more than one proton. Without enough neutrons, the repulsive electric forces between protons would cause the nucleus to fall apart.

Here are the key points about neutrons:

• Neutron = Neutral charge
• Located in the nucleus
• Similar mass to protons
• Contribute to atomic mass and stability

Neutrons also play a role in nuclear reactions, including fusion and fission, making them important in both natural processes and human applications like nuclear power and medicine.

Electron

Electrons are the smallest of the main subatomic particles and carry a negative electric charge of -1. They are not located in the nucleus but orbit around it in regions known as electron clouds or shells. Electrons are significantly lighter in mass compared to protons and neutrons, with a mass of approximately 1/1836 of an atomic mass unit.

The arrangement of electrons in an atom's electron cloud determines the atom's chemical properties and how it will interact with other atoms. Electrons can gain or lose energy and move between different energy levels or shells. When electrons are shared or transferred between atoms, they form chemical bonds, creating molecules and compounds.

Important points to remember about electrons:

• Electron = Negative (-) charge
• Found outside the nucleus
• Very small mass
• Determine chemical properties

The behavior of electrons is crucial in fields ranging from chemistry to physics and electronics. Understanding how electrons move and interact helps in explaining a wide range of phenomena and is fundamental to modern science and technology.