Question

A subatomic particle could have a charge of

(1) 5.0 × 10–20 C (2) 8.0 × 10–20 C (3) 3.2 × 10–19 C (4) 5.0 × 10–19 C

Answer 1

(1) 5.0 × 10–20 C (2) 8.0 × 10–20 C (3) 3.2 × 10–19 C (4) 5.0 × 10–19 C

Step-by-step explanation:

3.2 × 10–19 C

Answer 2

(3) 3.2 × 10–19 C

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge of a subatomic particle can only be an integer multiple of the fundamental charge, which is

`q=1.6\cdot 10^(-19) C`

So, let's analyze the 4 options:

(1) 5.0 × 10–20 C

`(5.0\cdot 10^(-20)C)/(1.6\cdot 10^(-19) C)=0.31` --> not an integer number

(2) 8.0 × 10–20 C

`(8.0\cdot 10^(-20)C)/(1.6\cdot 10^(-19) C)=0.5` --> not an integer number

(3) 3.2 × 10–19 C

`(3.2\cdot 10^(-19)C)/(1.6\cdot 10^(-19) C)=2` --> integer number

(4) 5.0 × 10–19 C

`(5.0\cdot 10^(-19)C)/(1.6\cdot 10^(-19)C)=3.13` --> not an integer number

So, the only option which is correct is (3).