Which of the following structures have no electrical charge?


a. protons
b. electrons
c. neutrons
d. ions

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the basic subatomic particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons.
2. Recall the charges of each subatomic particle: protons are positively charged, electrons are negatively charged, and neutrons have no charge.
3. Understand that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.
4. Determine which of the listed structures have no electrical charge by considering their definitions and properties.
5. Conclude that the structure with no electrical charge is the one that is neutral, based on the information about subatomic particles and ions.

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

The atomic structure consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral, meaning they have no charge. Understanding this structure is essential for identifying the charge of different particles.

Charge of Subatomic Particles

Subatomic particles are categorized by their electrical charge: protons are positively charged, electrons are negatively charged, and neutrons are uncharged. This distinction is crucial for understanding how these particles interact and form atoms, which are the building blocks of matter.

Ions

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. Cations are positively charged ions (loss of electrons), while anions are negatively charged ions (gain of electrons). Recognizing the nature of ions helps in understanding their behavior in chemical reactions.