Chapter 17, Problem 107A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The three kinds of subatomic particles have to be listed and described.

Concept Introduction : A subatomic particle is a particle that is smaller than the atom in size or a particle that composes an atom.

Answer to Problem 107A

An atom consists of three subatomic particles named proton, neutron, and electron. Protons are positively charged, have a relative mass of $\text{1u}$ , and are located inside the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged, have a relative mass of $\text{1u}$ , and are located outside the nucleus. Neutrons have no charge, have a relative mass of $\frac{\text{1u}}{1840}$ , and are located inside the nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

An atom consists of a nucleus which is centrally located and contains neutrons and protons. Electrons orbit around the nucleus in shells. Most of the mass is contained in the nucleus as electrons are almost negligible in mass. The positive charge on a proton is equal in magnitude to the negative charge on an electron.