1) What are the 3 subatomic particles that make up an atom and state which one determines the identity of the atom, which one determines the charge, which one determines the isotope, and which ones determine the atomic mass?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The three subatomic particles that make up an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each of these particles plays a crucial role in determining the properties of an atom.
- Protons:
- Role in Identity: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines the identity of the atom. This number is known as the atomic number. For example, any atom with 6 protons is always carbon, regardless of the number of neutrons or electrons.
- Role in Atomic Mass: Protons contribute to the atomic mass of an atom, which is roughly equal to the combined mass of protons and neutrons. Since protons have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), their number directly influences the atomic mass.
- Neutrons:
- Role in Isotopes: Neutrons do not affect the identity of an atom but contribute to the isotope of the element. Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different isotopes. For example, carbon can have 6, 7, or 8 neutrons, leading to carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 isotopes, respectively.
- Role in Atomic Mass: Neutrons also contribute to the atomic mass of an atom, along with protons. Neutrons have a mass roughly equal to that of protons, so they are a key part of the total mass of an atom.
- Electrons:
- Role in Charge: Electrons determine the charge of an atom. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, so the atom has no overall charge. However, if an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, with a positive charge (cation) if it loses electrons, or a negative charge (anion) if it gains electrons.
In summary, protons determine the identity and atomic mass of an atom, neutrons determine the isotope and contribute to atomic mass, while electrons determine the charge.