Question

Match the subatomic particle of an atom with its description, location, and charge.

1. No electrical charge
2. Has one negative electrical charge
3. Has one positive electrical charge
4. Determines the atomic number (one of two subatomic particles)
5. Can differ in amount in the same element (one of two subatomic particles)
6. Moves around outside the nucleus
7. Has very little mass
8. Has approximately the same mass as a proton
9. Is present in equal numbers as electrons

Answer 1

Neutrons have no charge and are in the nucleus, electrons have a negative charge and orbit the nucleus with very little mass, and protons have a positive charge, determine the atomic number, and are in the nucleus with significant mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

To match the subatomic particle of an atom with its description, location, and charge, we would say:

1. Neutron: No electrical charge, located in the nucleus, and has mass approximately equal to a proton.
2. Electron: Has one negative electrical charge, moves around outside the nucleus, has very little mass, and is present in equal numbers as protons in a neutral atom.
3. Proton: Has one positive electrical charge, determines the atomic number, located in the nucleus, and has mass approximately the same as a neutron.

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines the atomic number and, consequently, the element. The number of neutrons can vary even within the same element, which results in isotopes. Electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus, and have relatively little mass compared to protons and neutrons.