Question

Which particles in an atom could demonstrate that opposite charges attract?

A.
a neutron and an electron
B.
two protons together
C.
a proton and a neutron
D.
a proton and an electron

Answer 1

The correct answer is D

Answer 2

Choice D. a proton and an electron.

Step-by-step explanation:

Each proton carries a positive charge of
`+1` unit.

Each electron carries a negative charge of
`-1` unit.

As their name suggests, neutrons are neutral. They do not carry any electrostatic charge. Because of that, neutrons can't attract or repel neutrons or protons with electrostatic forces.

On the other hand, electrons and protons carry opposite charges. Therefore, an electron and a proton would attract each other electrostatically.

However, since protons are all positive, two protons would repel each other electrostatically.