Multiple Choice
Which of the following is closest to the atomic mass of the element fluorine?
72
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Atomic Mass
Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of subatomic particles are approximately equal in mass?
A
Neutron and electron
B
Proton and neutron
C
Electron and proton
D
Proton and electron
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the approximate masses of the three main subatomic particles: proton, neutron, and electron. The proton and neutron each have masses close to 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while the electron's mass is much smaller, about 1/1836 of a proton's mass.
Compare the mass of the proton and neutron: both are roughly 1 amu, so their masses are approximately equal.
Compare the mass of the electron with the proton: the electron is significantly lighter, so their masses are not approximately equal.
Compare the mass of the electron with the neutron: since the neutron's mass is close to 1 amu and the electron's mass is much smaller, they are not approximately equal.
Conclude that the pair with approximately equal masses is the proton and neutron.
Related Videos
Related Practice
