Question

Identify each of the following as describing cither a proton, neutron, or electron: a. has a mass about the same as a proton b. is found in the nucleus C. is attracted to the protons d. has a 1 - charge

Short answer

a. neutron, b. proton and neutron, c. electron, d. electron

Step-by-step solution

Identifying a particle with mass about the same as a proton

A neutron has a mass about the same as a proton. Both protons and neutrons have a relative mass close to 1 amu (atomic mass unit), whereas an electron has a much smaller mass.

Identifying a particle found in the nucleus

Both protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons, in contrast, are located outside the nucleus, in regions called electron clouds or orbitals.

Identifying a particle that is attracted to protons

An electron is attracted to protons due to opposite electrical charges. Protons have a positive charge, while electrons have a negative charge.

Identifying a particle with a 1- charge

An electron has a charge of 1-. Protons have a charge of 1+, and neutrons are electrically neutral, with no charge.

Key concepts

Proton

• Protons are essential atomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
• They have a positive electric charge, denoted as \(1+\).
• The mass of a proton is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Protons play a crucial role in determining the identity of an element.
The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is called the atomic number.
For example, a hydrogen atom has one proton, so its atomic number is 1.
The positive charge of protons helps bind negatively charged electrons around the nucleus.
Understanding protons is key to grasping basic chemistry concepts.

Neutron

• Neutrons are subatomic particles also found in the nucleus of an atom.
• Unlike protons, neutrons have no electrical charge, making them neutral.
• The mass of a neutron is similar to that of a proton, around 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Neutrons contribute significantly to the mass of an atom and play a key role in maintaining the stability of the nucleus.
They help keep protons, which repel each other due to their positive charges, bound together in the nucleus.
Without neutrons, atomic nuclei would be unstable.
Understanding neutrons is essential for studying nuclear reactions and atomic structure.

Electron

• Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles found outside the nucleus.
• They travel in regions called electron clouds or orbitals.
• The charge of an electron is \(1-\), and its mass is much smaller than that of protons or neutrons.

Electrons play a vital role in chemical bonding and reactions.
Their interaction with protons leads to the formation of atoms and molecules.
Electrons are involved in electricity flow and various chemical processes.
Understanding electrons is key to learning about chemical properties and reactions.