Question detail
Which statement correctly describes the relative masses of the three fundamental particles?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atomic structure
Question
- A. Proton is heavier than a neutron, which is heavier than an electron.
- B. Proton and neutron are heavier than an electron by a factor of 1836.
- C. All three particles have the same relative mass.
- D. Only the proton has a relative mass of 1; the others are 0.
Answer
Proton is heavier than a neutron, which is heavier than an electron.
Explanation
The correct option is Proton is heavier than a neutron, which is heavier than an electron.. Proton is heavier than a neutron, which is heavier than an electron. is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to state the relative charge and relative mass of protons, neutrons and electrons. This reasoning is anchored to Fundamental particles in Atomic structure, and it separates proton from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Relative Charge Confusion
Students often confuse the relative charge of protons, neutrons, and electrons, stating that neutrons have a negative charge.
Remember that protons have a relative charge of +1, neutrons have a relative charge of 0, and electrons have a relative charge of -1. To clarify: Protons: +1, Neutrons: 0, Electrons: -1.
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