Q. 4.18 - 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 a mass about the same as proton

b.  is found in the nucleus

c. is attracted to protons

d. has a $1-$ charge

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. Neutron has mass nearly same as of proton.

b. Both proton and neutron are found in the nucleus.

c. Electron is attracted to proton.

d. Electrons has $1-$ charge.

Part(a) Step 1: Given information

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

Part(a) Step 2: Explanation

Mass of proton and neutron is approximately same and is equal to $=1.6726219\times {10}^{-27}$ kg.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, neutron has mass nearly equal to that of proton.

Part(b) Step 1: Given information

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

Part(b) Step 2: Explanation

Among an electron, proton and a neutron, neutrons and protons exist inside nucleus. Protons and neutrons are collectively known as nucleons. 

Part(c) Step 1: Given information

We need to find out which out of a proton, neutron, or electron is attracted to the protons.

Part(c) Step 2: Explanation

A proton's charge is the same as an electron's charge (but has an opposite sign). $1.602\times {10}^{-19}$ coulomb is the magnitude of the  charge.

Hence, among an electron, proton and a neutron, electron is attracted to the proton since both have equal and opposite charge .

Part(d) Step 1: Given information

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

Part(d) Step 2: Explanation

Subatomic particles with a charge of magnitude $-1$ are known as electrons. Thy exist outside the nucleus.$1.602\times {10}^{-19}$ coulomb is the magnitude of the negative charge .

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