Question

Which subatomic particle plays the greatest part in determining the properties of an element? a. electron b. none of the above c. neutron d. proton

Answer 1

Answer: Proton

Explanation: An atom is made up of 3 fundamental particles: electrons, protons and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged, protons are positively charged while neutrons have no charge. Protons and neutrons occupy the nucleus while electrons revolve round the nucleus. The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number and must be equal to the number of protons for the atom to remain electrically neutral. It is the atomic number of an atom that determines the properties of an element and atomic number equals the number of protons in an atom.

Answer 2

d. proton

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic number is usually regarded as the proton number. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons that is found in the nucleus of every atom in an element. Let say we have an element Z with an atomic number. Changing the number of protons would definitely change the element Z and it properties.

Therefore, the subatomic particle that plays the greatest role in determining the properties of an element is Proton.