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Chapter 4: Problem 90

Which subatomic particles contribute most to the atom's mass? Which subatomic particles determine the atom's chemical properties?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The subatomic particles that contribute most to an atom's mass are protons and neutrons, as they both have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while electrons have a much smaller mass of 0.0005 amu. On the other hand, an atom's chemical properties are mainly determined by its electrons, which participate in chemical bonding and reactions due to electrostatic forces between charged particles.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the three subatomic particles

The three main subatomic particles that compose an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons carry a negative charge. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus (center) of the atom, while electrons orbit the nucleus in various energy levels.
02

Determine which particles contribute most to mass

To determine which subatomic particles contribute most to the atom's mass, let's consider the mass of each type of particle. The mass of a proton is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), the mass of a neutron is also about 1 amu, and the mass of an electron is approximately 0.0005 amu. Since the masses of protons and neutrons are much larger than that of electrons, protons and neutrons contribute most to the atom's mass.
03

Identify which particles determine chemical properties

Chemical properties are determined by the way atoms interact with other atoms during chemical reactions. The main factor driving these interactions is the electrostatic forces (attractions and repulsions) between charged particles, mainly between protons and electrons. As a result, the electrons are responsible for determining an atom's chemical properties since they participate in chemical bonding and reactions. In conclusion: - Protons and neutrons contribute most to an atom's mass - Electrons determine an atom's chemical properties

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In which direction on the periodic table, horizontal or vertical, are elements with similar chemical properties aligned? What are families of elements with similar chemical properties called?

State the main idea of the law of constant composition in your own words, using an example to illustrate your understanding of this important idea.

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