Answer the following questions without referring to Table 2.1: (a) What are the main subatomic particles that make up the atom? (b) What is the relative charge (in multiples of the electronic charge) of each proton? (b) What is the relative charge (in multiples of the electronic charge) of each neutron? (b) What is the relative charge (in multiples of the electronic charge) of each electron? (c) Which of the particles is the most massive? (d) Which is the least massive?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the main subatomic particles that make up an atom, which are protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Step 2: Determine the relative charge of a proton. Protons have a positive charge, which is +1 in multiples of the electronic charge.

Step 3: Determine the relative charge of a neutron. Neutrons are neutral, meaning they have a charge of 0 in multiples of the electronic charge.

Step 4: Determine the relative charge of an electron. Electrons have a negative charge, which is -1 in multiples of the electronic charge.

Step 5: Compare the masses of the subatomic particles. Protons and neutrons have similar masses, with neutrons being slightly more massive, while electrons are much less massive than both protons and neutrons.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Subatomic Particles

Atoms are composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus, and electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. Understanding these particles is fundamental to grasping atomic structure and behavior.

Relative Charge of Subatomic Particles

The relative charges of subatomic particles are defined in multiples of the elementary charge (e). Protons carry a charge of +1e, neutrons have a charge of 0e, and electrons possess a charge of -1e. This charge distribution is crucial for understanding atomic interactions, bonding, and the overall stability of atoms.

Mass of Subatomic Particles

In terms of mass, protons and neutrons are significantly more massive than electrons. A proton has a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), a neutron is slightly heavier at about 1 amu, while an electron has a mass of about 1/1836 amu, making it the least massive of the three. This mass difference plays a key role in the stability and structure of atoms.

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Subatomic Particles

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