Question

For the following statement, write T for true and F for False.
A neutron is formed by an electron and a proton combining together. Therefore, it is neutral.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that an atom consists of an electron, proton, and neutron. Here, neutrons are present in the nucleus of the atom, and it is a subatomic particle. The charge of the neutron is zero, but it possesses a mass greater than the proton. Use this information to tell whether the given statement is true or false.


Complete step by step answer
The uncharged particle, which is found in the atomic nucleus, is known as neutron. The symbol used for representing the neutron is N and is an independent subatomic particle. James Chadwick gives some important information about neutrons like its location, charge, etc. The other particles of the atoms are electron and proton, and the charge of these two particles is opposite to each other. The electron possesses a negative charge, and the charge of the proton is positive. The proton is also found in the atomic nucleus, but negative charge particles known as electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits.

The neutron is made up of quarks; it contains two down quark and one up quark. The charge of the one up quark is neutralized with the charge of two down quarks. Due to this reason, the neutron is considered as neutral particles.
Therefore, a neutron is not formed by an electron and a proton combining together, and the statement is F (false).


Note: All the three particles present in the atoms are separate subatomic particles, so combining any two particles present in the atom will not give a neutron of neutral charge. Especially the combination of electron and proton because they show different properties and their locations are also different in the atom.