Which particle has the weight of a proton but carries no electrical charge?

Study for the MTA Electrical Test. Use our flashcards and multiple choice questions to prepare, each question includes hints and explanations. Achieve success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which particle has the weight of a proton but carries no electrical charge?

Explanation:
The key idea is mass versus electric charge. The neutron has a mass very close to that of a proton (about 1 atomic mass unit) but carries no electric charge, so it’s electrically neutral. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and a positron has a positive charge like a proton but the same small mass as an electron, not the heavier mass of a proton. So the particle that weighs about a proton and has no charge is the neutron.

The key idea is mass versus electric charge. The neutron has a mass very close to that of a proton (about 1 atomic mass unit) but carries no electric charge, so it’s electrically neutral. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and a positron has a positive charge like a proton but the same small mass as an electron, not the heavier mass of a proton. So the particle that weighs about a proton and has no charge is the neutron.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy