Multiple Choice
Which part of a helium atom is positively charged?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Subatomic Particles
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How does the mass of an electron compare to the mass of a proton?
A
The mass of an electron is exactly half the mass of a proton.
B
The mass of an electron is much greater than the mass of a proton.
C
The mass of an electron is much smaller than the mass of a proton.
D
The mass of an electron is approximately equal to the mass of a proton.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the fundamental particles in an atom: electrons and protons are two of the main subatomic particles.
Understand that the mass of a proton is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), which is about \$1.67 \times 10^{-27}$ kilograms.
Know that the mass of an electron is much smaller, approximately \$9.11 \times 10^{-31}$ kilograms.
Compare the two masses by dividing the mass of the electron by the mass of the proton to see the relative difference.
Conclude that since the electron's mass is roughly 1/1836 of the proton's mass, the electron is much lighter than the proton.
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