Question

All things are made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are even smaller tiny particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.

PROTONS: Positively charged particles ____ in the atom that have a mass ___ of the AMU. The number of protons determines the ____ of an atom ____. For example, hydrogen has ___ protons; helium has ___.
A) Found in the nucleus, 1, identity, 2
B) Found in the nucleus, 0, charge, 1
C) Orbiting the nucleus, 2, charge, 1
D) Found in the shells, 1, charge, 2

Answer 1

Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom with a mass of 1 AMU, and their number determines the atom's identity, such as hydrogen with 1 proton and helium with 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

All things, including matter itself, are constructed of small particles known as atoms, which are made up of even smaller components. Within an atom, the central nucleus contains two types of particles: protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of the atom, and they possess a significant attribute—a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). Neutrons also reside in the nucleus and share the same mass as protons, but without any charge. Surrounding the nucleus are electrons, which hold a negative charge and have a relatively negligible mass compared to that of protons and neutrons.

The number of protons within an atom's nucleus is crucial, as it not only contributes to the atom's mass but also establishes the chemical element's identity. For instance, hydrogen (H) is characterized by having a single proton, whereas helium (He) always contains two protons. This unique number of protons is referred to as the atomic number and is essential for determining the type of element.

Referring to the given question, the correct completion is: PROTONS: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus in the atom that have a mass of 1 of the AMU. The number of protons determines the identity of an atom 2. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton; helium has 2.