Subatomic Particle Properties Explained
Understanding the properties of subatomic particles is fundamental in science. The question requires identifying a particle with specific characteristics: a negative charge and essentially zero or negligible mass.
Let's review the properties of the primary subatomic particles:
- Protons: Located in the atom's nucleus. They possess a positive charge (+1) and have a significant mass (approximately 1 atomic mass unit, amu).
- Neutrons: Also located in the nucleus. They have no electrical charge (neutral) and possess a mass very close to that of a proton (approximately 1 amu).
- Electrons: Orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels. They carry a negative charge (-1). Their mass is extremely small, about 1/1836th of the mass of a proton, making it negligible in many calculations.
A comparison highlights the differences:
| Particle | Charge | Relative Mass |
|---|---|---|
| Proton | Positive (+1) | Significant (≈ 1 amu) |
| Neutron | Neutral (0) | Significant (≈ 1 amu) |
| Electron | Negative (-1) | Negligible (≈ 1/1836 amu) |
Based on these properties, the subatomic particle matching the description of having a negative charge and negligible mass is the electron.
Important Questions from Chemistry
Common salt (NaCl) is not used as a raw material for preparation of which one of the following compounds?
Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Hypobromous acid?
Which one of the following is not used as a raw material in the manufacture of glass?
Which one of the following statements about dihydrogen (H 2) is not correct?
Reaction of quick lime (CaO) with water to produce slaked lime (Ca(OH) 2) is an example of
