State both the sign and magnitude of the charge on a proton, an electron, and a neutron in terms of e, the elementary charge.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The charge on elementary particles like protons, electrons, and neutrons can be expressed in terms of ( e ), the elementary charge, which is approximately ( 1.602 \times 10^{-19} ) Coulombs. Here’s a breakdown of the charge on each particle in terms of ( e ):
- Proton:
- Sign: Positive
- Magnitude: ( +1e )
- A proton has a positive charge that is equal in magnitude to the elementary charge ( e ). Therefore, its charge is expressed as ( +e ), meaning that it has a charge of ( +1.602 \times 10^{-19} ) C.
- Electron:
- Sign: Negative
- Magnitude: ( -1e )
- An electron has a negative charge, and the magnitude of its charge is equal to ( e ), but opposite in sign to that of the proton. Therefore, its charge is ( -e ), or ( -1.602 \times 10^{-19} ) C.
- Neutron:
- Sign: Neutral (no charge)
- Magnitude: ( 0e )
- A neutron is electrically neutral, meaning it has no charge. The magnitude of its charge is 0, so it is written as ( 0e ), indicating that it does not possess any charge.
Explanation:
- Proton: The proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. Its charge is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to that of an electron, which ensures the stability of atomic structures.
- Electron: The electron, which orbits the nucleus of an atom, carries a negative charge. Its negative charge is exactly equal in magnitude to that of the proton but opposite in sign, which is fundamental for the electrical neutrality in atoms.
- Neutron: The neutron, another subatomic particle found in the nucleus, has no electric charge. It is electrically neutral, meaning it does not affect the overall charge of the atom.
In summary, the proton’s charge is positive and equal to ( +1e ), the electron’s charge is negative and equal to ( -1e ), and the neutron is neutral with a charge of ( 0e ).