Question

Which of the following has a positive electric charge? A) electron C) neutron B) proton D) atom

Short answer

The proton (B) has a positive electric charge.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Electric Charges

In atomic physics, particles have different charges. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons have a positive charge, and neutrons are neutral with no charge. An atom typically consists of protons, electrons, and neutrons, making its net charge usually neutral.

Evaluating the Options

We need to determine which of the given options has a positive electric charge. The options are an electron, neutron, proton, and atom.

Option Analysis

- **Electron (A):** This carries a negative electric charge, so it is not the correct answer. - **Neutron (C):** This is electrically neutral, without any charge. - **Proton (B):** This indeed carries a positive electric charge. - **Atom (D):** Atoms are generally neutral as they balance protons and electrons unless specified otherwise.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the proton is the particle that carries a positive electric charge.

Key concepts

Electric Charge

Electric charge is a fundamental property of certain subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interactions. Charges come in two types: positive and negative. The rule of thumb is that opposite charges attract each other, while like charges repel. This feature is the cornerstone of many physical phenomena.

In the context of atoms, electric charge plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an atom. When an atom has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged), it is electrically neutral. However, when these numbers are unequal, the atom becomes an ion, carrying a net positive or negative charge. This balance of charges is what facilitates the formation of molecules and the structure of matter as we know it.

Understanding electric charge helps us grasp how atoms interact in chemical reactions, why certain substances conduct electricity better than others, and how the forces between particles govern much of our physical world.

Proton

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They are one of the key components that define the identity of an element. The number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number, and it determines which element an atom represents. For example, an atom with one proton is hydrogen, while an atom with six protons is carbon.

Protons are crucial for many reasons:

• The positive charge of protons balances the negative charge of electrons surrounding the nucleus.
• This balance of charge is vital in maintaining the neutrality of most atoms.
• Protons, together with neutrons, contribute to the mass of the atom as electrons have negligible mass by comparison.

The presence of protons affects the atom's chemical properties and its interactions with other atoms, making them central to the study of chemistry and physics.

Neutron

Neutrons are subatomic particles with no electric charge. They reside in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons. Despite being uncharged, neutrons play an essential role in the stability of atoms.

Here’s why neutrons are important:

• Neutrons help to stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between positively charged protons.
• They add mass to the atom, similar to protons, but without affecting the electric charge.
• The number of neutrons affects the isotopic form of an element, leading to different physical properties without changing the chemical behavior significantly.

Neutrons, through their contribution to the atomic mass and stability, are key in nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion processes.

Electron

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom. They are much smaller in mass compared to protons and neutrons, but they play a critical role in chemical bonding and electrical conductivity.

Key characteristics and roles of electrons include:

• Electrons determine the chemical properties of an atom as they are involved in forming chemical bonds.
• They can move between atoms, leading to the creation of ions or the formation of covalent bonds.
• Their arrangement in atoms is described by electron shells or energy levels, which dictate how an atom will interact with others during chemical reactions.

Understanding electrons is essential for comprehending how electricity works, how atoms bind together, and how energy levels in atoms influence the physical and chemical properties of substances.