Problem 4

Question

If \(q\) for an electron is \(-1\), a) what is \(q\) for a proton? b) what is \(q\) for a neutron? c) what is \(q\) for the nucleus of a \(C\) atom?

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
a) The charge of a proton is \(+1\). b) The charge of a neutron is \(0\). c) The charge of the nucleus of a \(C\) atom is \(+6\).
1Step 1: Determine the Charge of a Proton
A proton has a charge opposite to that of an electron. Therefore, if the electron's charge is \(-1\), the proton’s charge will be positive, or \(+1\).
2Step 2: Determine the Charge of a Neutron
Neutrons are neutral particles, which means they have no charge. Therefore, irrespective of the charge on an electron, the charge on a neutron is \(0\).
3Step 3: Determine the Charge of a Carbon Atom's Nucleus
A carbon atom's nucleus contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Since the charge of a proton is \(+1\) and a neutron is \(0\), the total charge of a carbon atom's nucleus is simply the sum of charges of these particles. Hence, \(+6 \times 1 + 6 \times 0 = +6\). Therefore, the charge on a carbon atom’s nucleus is \(+6\).