Which statements about subatomic particles are true? a. If an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, it will be charge-neutral. b. Electrons are attracted to protons. c. Electrons are much lighter than neutrons. d. Protons have twice the mass of neutrons.
Ch.2 - Atoms & Elements
Chapter 2, Problem 50
A helium nucleus has two protons and two neutrons. How many electrons does it take to equal the mass of a helium nucleus?
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Structure
An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals. The number of protons defines the element, while neutrons contribute to the atomic mass. In helium, the nucleus has two protons and two neutrons, making it a stable and light element.
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Mass of Subatomic Particles
The mass of subatomic particles varies, with protons and neutrons having a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu) each, while electrons are significantly lighter, about 1/1836 of a proton's mass. This difference is crucial when comparing the mass of electrons to that of a nucleus.
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Mass-Electron Equivalence
To determine how many electrons would equal the mass of a helium nucleus, one must compare the total mass of the nucleus (approximately 4 amu) to the mass of an electron. Since one electron has a mass of about 0.00055 amu, it would take a large number of electrons to match the mass of the helium nucleus.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Which statements about subatomic particles are false? a. Protons and electrons have charges of the same magnitude but opposite sign. b. Protons have about the same mass as neutrons. c. Some atoms don't have any protons. d. Protons and neutrons have charges of the same magnitude but opposite signs.
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