Problem 4 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

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

Answer

The charge q for a proton is +1, for a neutron it is 0, while for the nucleus of a Carbon atom, it is +6.

Step 1: Determine the Charge on a Proton

From basic atomic theory, a proton carries a positive charge. If the magnitude of the negative charge on an electron is denoted as -1, then the magnitude of a positive charge on a proton will be simply +1 as both have the same magnitudes but opposite signs.

Step 2: Determine the Charge on a Neutron

In atomic theory, a neutron is a neutrally charged particle. This means its charge is 0.

Step 3: Determine the Charge on a Carbon Atom's Nucleus

The nucleus of a Carbon atom (symbol C) is made up of protons and neutrons. There are 6 protons in a carbon nucleus. Since each proton carries a charge of +1, the charge on a Carbon atom's nucleus is +6.