Let's analyze the characteristics of subatomic particles we are considering: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
1. Understanding Mass (amu)
- Protons have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
- Neutrons also have a mass of approximately 1 amu.
- Electrons have a mass of approximately 0 amu (much smaller than protons and neutrons).
Given that the particle in question has a mass of 1 amu, we can determine that the particle is either a proton or a neutron, as these are the subatomic particles with this mass.
2. Analyzing Location
- Protons are located in the nucleus of the atom.
- Neutrons are also located in the nucleus.
- Electrons, however, are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.
Since both protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, and the electron is not, let's consider the statements about location:
a. "Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a proton or a neutron." - This is correct because protons and neutrons, which have a mass of 1 amu, are located in the nucleus.
b. "Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a neutron or an electron." - This is incorrect because electrons are located in the electron cloud and not in the nucleus.
3. Analyzing Charge
- Protons have a charge of +1.
- Neutrons have a charge of 0.
- Electrons have a charge of -1.
Given that the particle could be a proton or a neutron, let's examine the statements about charge:
c. "Its charge is +1, because the particle is a proton." - This statement may be true if the particle is specifically a proton, which has a +1 charge.
d. "Its charge is 0, because the particle is a neutron." - This statement may also be true if the particle is specifically a neutron, which has a 0 charge.
However, we need to pick the statement that must be absolutely correct given the mass of the particle and its characteristics. The mass alone (1 amu) is enough to conclude the location of the particle (nucleus), but not enough to definitely conclude its charge (as it could be either +1 or 0 depending on whether it's a proton or neutron).
Therefore, the correct statement about the subatomic particle must be:
- "Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a proton or a neutron."
