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
Which of the following compounds is also called ‘Norwegian saltpeter’?
How many elements were known when Mendeleev started his work?
Which of the options given below is called laughing gas?
A. N 2O
B. CO 2
C. H 2O
D. SO 2
Stainless steel is
A. A compound
B. A mixture
C. An element
D. An alloy
What is the freezing point of water on Kelvin scale?
केल्विन पैमाने पर जल का हिमांक कितना होता है?
