Q. 4.17 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify each of the following as describing either a proton, a neutron, or an electron:

a. has the smallest mass 

b. has a $+1$ charge

c. is found outside the nucleus

d. is electrically neutral

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. Electron has the smallest mass.

b. Proton has a $+1$ charge.

c. Electron is found outside the nucleus.

d. Neutron is electrically neutral.

Part(a) Step 1: Given information

We need to find out which out of a proton, neutron, or electron has the smallest mass.

Part(a) Step 2: Explanation

 An electron has $\frac{1}{1840}$ the mass of a proton. Mass of an electron $=9.109\times {10}^{-31}$ kilograms.

Mass of neutron and proton is approximately same and is equal to $1.67\times {10}^{-27}$ kg.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, electron has the smallest mass.

Part(b) Step 1: Given information

We need to find out which out of a proton, neutron, or electron has $+1$ charge.

Part(b) Step 2: Explanation

The charge of a proton is identical to that of an electron, although it is in the other sign. A proton's charge is $+1.6\times {10}^{-19}$ coulombs.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, proton has $+1$ relative charge.

Part(c) Step 1: Given information

We need to find out which out of a proton, neutron, or electron is found outside the nucleus.

Part(c) Step 2: Explanation

Subatomic particles with a charge of magnitude $-1$ are known as electrons. They exist and revolve outside the nucleus.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, electron is found outside the nucleus.

Part(d) Step 1: Given information

We need to find out which out of a proton, neutron, or electron is electrically neutral.

Part(d) Step 2: Explanation

There is no net electric charge linked with neutrons.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, neutron is electrically neutral.