Question

which statements correctly compare the masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons? choose two correct answers.

• neutrons and electrons have similar mass.
• protons are smaller than a neutron or an electron.
• electrons are smaller than a proton or a neutron.
• protons and neutrons have similar mass.
• neutrons are smaller than a proton or an electron.
• protons and electrons have similar mass.

Explanation:

Compare subatomic particle masses

Using the Atoms and Molecules knowledge point, we analyze the relative masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus and have nearly identical masses of approximately \(1\text{ amu}\) each. Electrons orbit the nucleus and are extremely light, with a mass of about \(\frac{1}{1836}\text{ amu}\), which is negligible compared to nucleons.

Evaluate the given statements

• "Neutrons and electrons have similar mass": Incorrect, neutrons are much heavier.
• "Protons are smaller than a neutron or an electron": Incorrect, protons are much larger/heavier than electrons.
• "Electrons are smaller than a proton or a neutron": Correct, electrons have significantly less mass than nucleons.
• "Protons and neutrons have similar mass": Correct, both are approximately \(1\text{ amu}\).
• "Neutrons are smaller than a proton or an electron": Incorrect, neutrons are much heavier than electrons.
• "Protons and electrons have similar mass": Incorrect, protons are much heavier.

Answer:

• Neutrons and electrons have similar mass.
• Protons are smaller than a neutron or an electron.
• Electrons are smaller than a proton or a neutron. (Correct answer)
• Protons and neutrons have similar mass. (Correct answer)
• Neutrons are smaller than a proton or an electron.
• Protons and electrons have similar mass.