# Explain what is meant by the specific charge of a particle and explain how the specific charge of a proton compares to the specific charge of a nucleus that contains more than one proton.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.2.1 Particles · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Specific charge is the charge of a particle divided by its mass
2. The specific charge of a proton is greater than the specific charge of a nucleus with more than one proton
3. Adding more protons increases the charge of the nucleus
4. Adding neutrons (and protons) increases the mass of the nucleus
5. The mass increases proportionally more than the charge, so specific charge decreases

## Key terms

- [specific charge](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/specific-charge)
- [nucleus](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nucleus)
- [proton](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/proton)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-is-meant-by-the-12117b01) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.