Electrons are actually much smaller than protons and neutrons. Show
Protons and neutrons have masses which are equal to 1 atomic mass unit. Technically they vary from each other slightly, but most classroom applications don't require you to use this information. The mass of an electron is about 1/1800 the mass of a proton. This is why the mass of electrons is ignored when you are determining the mass of an atom. Your question is interesting in that another interpretation is possible. The volume occupied by the nucleus (protons and neutrons) is much, much smaller than the volume occupied by the electron cloud which is made up of the electrons of an atom and mostly empty space (since electrons are so tiny). This means that protons are neutrons are packed together into a small space and that electrons are very spread out. Are you loving this? Not loving this? Please consider taking a moment to share your feedback with us. Thanks! Lesson 4.1
Key Concepts
SummaryStudents will put a static charge on a strip of plastic by pulling it between their fingers. They will see that the plastic is attracted to their fingers. Students will be introduced to the idea that rubbing the strip with their fingers caused electrons to move from their skin to the plastic giving the plastic a negative charge and their skin a positive charge. Through these activities, students will be introduced to some of the characteristics of electrons, protons, and neutrons, which make up atoms. ObjectiveStudents will be able to explain, in terms of electrons and protons, why a charged object is attracted or repelled by another charged object. They will also be able to explain why a charged object can even be attracted to an uncharged object. Students will also be able to explain that the attraction between positive protons and negative electrons holds an atom together. EvaluationDownload the student activity sheet, and distribute one per student when specified in the activity. The activity sheet will serve as the “Evaluate” component of each 5-E lesson plan. SafetyBe sure you and the students wear properly fitting goggles. Materials for Each Group
Materials for Demonstration
Which is smallest electron proton or neutron?The majority of the mass of the atom is found in the nucleus, which is made up of protons and neutrons. The part of the atom with the smallest mass is the electron.
Which is smaller an atom or proton?Inside a nucleus are neutrons and protons, which occupy a space about 100,000 times smaller than the whole atom. In the pond example, a proton would measure about 1/50th inch (0.5 millimeters) in diameter—about the size of a pinpoint.
Why are protons smaller than neutrons?the differences between the proton (udu) and neutron (udd) is that the has neutron's second down quark is heavier than the proton's second up quark. So the greater mass of this down quark gives the neutron a greater mass than the proton.
Which is smaller neutron or atom?A neutron is substantially smaller than an atom. A nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons orbiting the nucleus in various orbits make up an atom. There are empty spaces between these orbitals. Atoms are significantly larger than subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons due to this empty space.
|