Comparison of Subatomic Particles: Mass, Charge, and Location Table
Subatomic particles is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic.
What is Subatomic Particles in Chemistry?
A subatomic particle refers to a particle smaller than an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. This concept appears in chapters related to Atomic Structure, Discovery of Proton, and Structure of Atom, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
The molecular formula concept does not apply to subatomic particles, as they are the building blocks of atoms—not molecules themselves. Atoms are made of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons orbiting outside.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Subatomic particles are not synthesized in the lab like compounds. Instead, their existence was revealed through experiments such as cathode ray tubes for electrons, gold foil experiments for protons, and nuclear bombardment for neutrons. Today, advanced particle accelerators can create or observe more exotic particles.
Physical Properties of Subatomic Particles
Subatomic particles differ by mass, charge, and location in the atom:
- Proton: Mass = 1 amu, Charge = +1, Location = Nucleus
- Neutron: Mass ≈ 1 amu, Charge = 0, Location = Nucleus
- Electron: Mass ≈ 1/1837 amu, Charge = –1, Location = Electron shells/cloud
| Particle | Symbol | Charge | Relative Mass | Location in Atom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | p+ | +1 | 1 amu | Nucleus |
| Neutron | n | 0 | 1 amu | Nucleus |
| Electron | e- | –1 | 1/1837 amu | Outside nucleus (shells) |
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Subatomic particles participate in chemical properties through interactions like:
- Electrons drive chemical bonding and reactions.
- Protons define the element’s identity (atomic number).
- Neutrons influence isotopes and nuclear stability.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing the charge of protons and electrons.
- Thinking only electrons can move; protons and neutrons stay fixed in chemistry.
- Assuming all subatomic particles have significant mass—electrons are much lighter.
- Believing electrons orbit in flat circles; they actually exist in clouds/orbitals.
Uses of Subatomic Particles in Real Life
Subatomic particles are used in several areas:
- Protons are used in proton therapy to treat cancers.
- Neutrons are used in nuclear reactors and medical imaging.
- Electrons flow in electric currents and play a key part in electronics.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Subatomic particles are closely related to concepts like isotopes (varying neutrons), ion formation (loss or gain of electrons), and differences in atomic number/mass. They also help explain periodic table trends and how atoms bond together.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Consider sodium (Na) reacting with chlorine (Cl).2. Sodium atom loses 1 electron (subatomic particle) → forms Na+ ion.
3. Chlorine atom gains that 1 electron → forms Cl- ion.
4. Opposite charges attract, creating ionic NaCl.
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember: Protons and neutrons are always found inside the nucleus, while electrons orbit outside. A simple tip Vedantu educators share is to picture the atom like a mini solar system—nucleus (sun) in the center, electrons (planets) moving around.
Try This Yourself
- Draw a labelled diagram of an atom and mark locations of proton, neutron, and electron.
- Fill out a table for mass and charge of each subatomic particle.
- Find out how ions form from atoms using electron gain/loss.
- Give an example of a medical use of subatomic particles.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored subatomic particles—their discovery, types, mass, charge, and importance for chemistry and real life. Use the summaries and examples above to strengthen your concepts. For more help, join live doubt-solving and exam-prep sessions on Vedantu or explore related topics like structure of atom any time.
FAQs on What Are Subatomic Particles? Types, Properties & Examples
1. What are subatomic particles?
Subatomic particles are the small units—protons, neutrons, and electrons—that make up an atom. Each particle differs in mass, charge, and location within the atom:
- Protons: Positive charge, found in the nucleus
- Neutrons: No charge, found in the nucleus
- Electrons: Negative charge, orbit the nucleus
2. What are the three main subatomic particles and their charges?
The three main subatomic particles are:
- Proton: Positive charge (+1)
- Neutron: Neutral charge (0)
- Electron: Negative charge (–1)
These charges are essential in determining atomic structure and chemical behavior.
3. Where are subatomic particles located in an atom?
Protons and neutrons are located inside the nucleus (center) of the atom, while electrons move in specific orbits or shells outside the nucleus. This arrangement defines the atom’s structure and properties.
4. Who discovered protons, neutrons, and electrons?
The main subatomic particles were discovered by these scientists:
- Electron: J.J. Thomson (1897)
- Proton: Ernest Rutherford (1917)
- Neutron: James Chadwick (1932)
5. How do the numbers of subatomic particles affect isotopes and ions?
Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, changing their overall charge.
6. What is the mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons?
The approximate masses are:
- Proton: 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
- Neutron: 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
- Electron: About 1/1836 amu (very light)
7. Which subatomic particles are found in the nucleus?
Protons and neutrons are located within the nucleus of the atom. Electrons are outside the nucleus, moving in energy levels or shells.
8. Are there more than three types of subatomic particles?
Yes, besides protons, neutrons, and electrons, there are many more elementary particles (such as quarks, leptons, and mesons) studied in particle physics, but these are not typically involved in basic chemistry.
9. Why are protons and neutrons called nucleons?
Protons and neutrons are called nucleons because they are found in the atomic nucleus and account for almost all of the atom's mass.
10. How do subatomic particles influence chemical reactions?
Electrons participate directly in chemical bonding and reactions, while the number of protons determines the element. Neutrons affect isotope stability and nuclear behavior.
11. Why can’t electrons be found inside the nucleus?
Electrons remain outside the nucleus because they have much less mass and are repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus, so they move in fast orbits or shells around it.
12. What is the role of subatomic particles in atomic number and mass number?
Atomic number is set by the number of protons. Mass number equals the total number of protons plus neutrons in the nucleus. Electrons do not contribute significantly to mass number.
