Question

What is an electron, proton and neutron? [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

Electron, proton and neutrons are the sub-atomic particles that make up an atom.
(i) Electrons are negatively charged particles with negligible mass. These electrons revolve around the nucleus in discrete orbits.
(ii) Protons are positively charged particles with a mass of approximately 1 amu. These positively charged particles are present in the centre of the atom in the nucleus,.
(iii) Neutrons are electrically neutral particles which have the same mass as a proton. These together with protons are called nucleons and are present inside the nucleus.