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Which of the following comparisons correctly describes subatomic particles?

1.An electron has a negative charge and a mass larger than the mass of a proton.
2.A neutron has a negative charge and a mass smaller than the mass of a proton.
3.A neutron has a neutral charge and a mass larger than the mass of an electron.
4.A proton has a positive charge and a mass smaller than the mass of an electron.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Among the provided comparisons, the correct one is that 3) a neutron has a neutral charge and a mass larger than the mass of an electron. A neutron has no charge and its mass is slightly heavier than a proton, while electrons are much lighter and carry a negative charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

To correctly describe subatomic particles in terms of their charge and mass, we must refer to the properties of electrons, protons, and neutrons. An electron has a negative charge of 1- and is significantly lighter with a mass of about 0.00055 amu. Protons have a 1+ positive charge and a mass of 1.0073 amu, whereas neutrons have a neutral charge and are slightly heavier than protons with a mass of 1.0087 amu. It is also important to understand that the mass of a proton or neutron is approximately 1836 times greater than the mass of an electron, making them the main contributors to the mass of an atom.

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