Question

How are electrons and protons similar? How are they different?

a) Similar: Both are subatomic particles. Different: Electrons are negatively charged, while protons are positively charged.

b) Similar: Both are found in the nucleus of an atom. Different: Electrons have much less mass than protons.

c) Similar: Both contribute to the atomic mass of an atom. Different: Electrons are much smaller in size than protons.

d) Similar: Both are involved in chemical reactions. Different: Electrons determine the chemical behavior of an atom, while protons contribute to its identity.

Answer 1

Answer: A) Similar: Both are subatomic particles. Different: Electrons are negatively charged, while protons are positively charged

Explanation: B) is incorrect because electrons are found in the electron cloud, not within the nucleus of an atom. C) is incorrect because the atomic mass of an atom is determined by the protons and neutrons, not electrons. D) is incorrect because only electrons are involved in chemical reactions. Therefore, A) is the only plausible answer as both are categorized as subatomic particles and electrons are considered negative with protons being considered positive.

Answer 2

Electrons and protons are both subatomic particles with electrical charges of the same magnitude but opposite signs; however, they differ in location within an atom, mass, and their roles in defining an atom's characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrons and protons are similar in that they are both subatomic particles which are components of atoms and have electrical charges that are identical in magnitude but opposite in sign; electrons have a charge of -1, and protons have a charge of +1. Protons and electrons are different in several ways:

• Protons are found in an atom's nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus.
• Protons have a mass roughly 1836 times greater than that of electrons, contributing most of the atom's mass.
• Electrons determine the chemical properties and reactivity of an atom, whereas protons define the atomic identity and element.

The correct choice that matches these similarities and differences is option a: Similar: Both are subatomic particles. Different: Electrons are negatively charged, while protons are positively charged.