Question

In 1932, British physicist James Chadwick discovered that the nucleus was made up of uncharged, or neutral, particles called neutrons, in addition to the protons discovered by Rutherford. How do the three small particles found in the atom differ from one another?

a) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different charges.
b) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different masses.
c) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different locations in the atom.
d) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different energy levels.

Answer 1

Electrons, protons, and neutrons differ in their charges, masses, and locations in the atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three small particles found in the atom, namely electrons, protons, and neutrons, differ from each other in multiple ways.

a) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different charges: Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge, and neutrons have no charge.

b) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different masses: Electrons have the smallest mass, protons have a larger mass, and neutrons have a mass similar to that of protons.

c) Electrons, protons, and neutrons have different locations in the atom: Electrons are found in electron shells surrounding the nucleus, protons are located within the nucleus, and neutrons are also located within the nucleus.

Based on these differences, option (c) is the correct answer.