Name the three particles of the atom and their respective charges
The correct answer and explanation is :
The three main particles of an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each of these particles has distinct properties, including their respective charges:
- Protons:
- Charge: Positive (+1)
- Mass: Approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
Protons are found in the nucleus of the atom and carry a positive electrical charge. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the element and determines its atomic number on the periodic table.
- Neutrons:
- Charge: Neutral (0)
- Mass: Approximately 1 amu
Neutrons are also located in the nucleus, alongside protons. They have no electrical charge, making them electrically neutral. Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by balancing the repulsive forces between positively charged protons. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, leading to the formation of isotopes of an element.
- Electrons:
- Charge: Negative (-1)
- Mass: Negligibly small compared to protons and neutrons (about 1/1836 amu)
Electrons are found outside the nucleus in regions called electron shells or orbitals. They carry a negative charge and are responsible for chemical bonding and reactions. Electrons are much lighter than protons or neutrons and move rapidly around the nucleus.
Explanation:
An atom consists mostly of empty space, with the protons and neutrons residing in the dense nucleus at the center, while the electrons move around the nucleus in a cloud-like formation. The number of protons in an atom is what determines its identity as an element. For example, an atom with one proton is hydrogen, while an atom with six protons is carbon.
The atom as a whole is electrically neutral, meaning the positive charge of protons is balanced by the negative charge of electrons. If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, with a net positive or negative charge. The behavior and interaction of these particles govern the chemical properties of matter.