Atoms contain subatomic particles. State the name, relative charge, and relative mass of each of the three subatomic particles found in an atom.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Proton – +1 charge, mass 1
Neutron – 0 charge, mass 1
Electron – –1 charge, mass negligible (≈0)
Neutron – 0 charge, mass 1
Electron – –1 charge, mass negligible (≈0)
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms ‘proton’, ‘neutron’, ‘electron’ and their charges/masses; list each particle separately to avoid missing marks.
- Remember the electron’s mass is negligible – write ‘negligible (≈0)’ to gain the full point.”
- common_mistakes
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Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Proton: relative charge +1
- Proton: relative mass 1; Neutron: relative mass 1
- Neutron: relative charge 0 (neutral / no charge)
- Electron: relative charge −1 AND relative mass negligible (or 0)
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) revision notes →
- How to answer a "State" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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