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Question

Which particle does NOT contribute significantly to the atomic mass of an atom?

The correct answer is

Electron

The mass of an atom comes from its three kinds of particles. A proton and a neutron each have a mass of about 1 u, while an electron has a mass of only about \(\frac{1}{1836}\) of the mass of a proton.

Because the electron is so light, all the electrons of an atom together add almost nothing to its mass. Nearly the whole mass is concentrated in the nucleus, which is why the mass number is simply the number of protons plus neutrons. So the electron does not contribute significantly to the atomic mass.

Protons and neutrons are the particles that make up almost all of the atomic mass, so they do contribute significantly. The three particles do not contribute equally, because the electron is roughly 1836 times lighter than a proton or a neutron.

Hence, Electron.

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Similar Questions

  1. Consider the following statements regarding Thomson's model of an atom.

    Statement I: The atom is a sphere of positive charge with electrons scattered inside it.

    Statement II: Thomson's model could explain the presence of the nucleus in an atom.

    Which of the following is TRUE?

  2. If an atom of magnesium loses a proton, what happens to its atomic number and identity?

  3. Which element contains only one proton and one neutron among the following?

  4. Which of the following best describes Thomson's model of an atom?

  5. A new isotope has 20 protons, 22 neutrons, and 20 electrons. How does its mass number affect its chemical behavior compared to other isotopes of the same element?

  6. Which of the following best describes why noble gases have a valency of zero?

  7. An element has two isotopes with mass numbers 35 and 37. Which property remains the same in both isotopes?

  8. Which charged particle determines the atomic number of an element?

  9. Which description best represents Thomson’s atomic model?

  10. Which subatomic particle carries a negative charge in an atom?


Important Questions from Structure of Atom

  1. How many moles of He atoms are present in its 20 u mass ?
  2. Which of the following electron transition in hydrogen atom will require largest amount of energy?

  3. A species having 8 electrons in the third shell is very reactive while the other species having 8 electrons in the third shell is very inactive they are :

  4. Which of the following is the general formula for saturated hydrocarbons?

  5. Which one of the following is the average atomic mass of chlorine atom?

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