Question

the diagram shows some subatomic particles.
structure of an atom
atom -> electron, nucleus
nucleus -> neutrons, protons
protons -> ?

what is the particle that is labeled with a question mark (?) in the diagram?

• isotope
• beta particle
• quark
• alpha particle

Explanation:

Analyze the hierarchical diagram

The diagram shows the hierarchical structure of an atom. An atom consists of electrons and a nucleus. The nucleus is composed of neutrons and protons.

Identify the sub-components of nucleons

Protons and neutrons are nucleons. The diagram shows a proton branching further into three smaller constituent particles labeled with a question mark (?).

Determine the constituent particles

Protons and neutrons are made of elementary particles called quarks. Specifically, a proton is composed of three quarks (two up quarks and one down quark). Therefore, the particle labeled with the question mark is a quark.

Answer:

• isotope
• beta particle
• quark (Correct answer)
• alpha particle