Students are completing a table about a particular subatomic particle that helps make up an atom. The students have filled in one cell of the table so far.

\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|}
\hline Mass (amu) & Location & Charge \\
\hline 1 & & \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Based on the information shown, which statement about the subatomic particle must be correct?

A. Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a proton or a neutron.
B. Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a neutron or an electron.
C. Its charge is +1, because the particle is a proton.
D. Its charge is 0, because the particle is a neutron.



Answer :

Let's carefully analyze the given problem. We know that the subatomic particle in question has a mass of 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

1. Identify the types of subatomic particles:
- Proton: Has a mass of approximately 1 amu and is located in the nucleus. It has a charge of +1.
- Neutron: Also has a mass of approximately 1 amu and is located in the nucleus. It has no charge (charge of 0).
- Electron: Has a much smaller mass (about 1/1836 amu) and is located outside the nucleus. It has a charge of -1.

Since the mass of the subatomic particle is given as 1 amu, we can immediately rule out the electron because its mass is significantly smaller.

2. Check the location:
- Both protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus.
- Electrons are not located in the nucleus.

3. Assess the possible statements given:
- Statement 1: "Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a proton or a neutron."
This statement is correct because both protons and neutrons are indeed located in the nucleus.

- Statement 2: "Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a neutron or an electron."
This statement is incorrect because electrons are not located in the nucleus.

- Statement 3: "Its charge is +1, because the particle is a proton."
This statement is correct, but it only applies if the particle in question is specifically identified as a proton. Since we only know the mass so far, this isn’t definitively true yet.

- Statement 4: "Its charge is 0, because the particle is a neutron."
This statement is also correct, but only if the particle is specifically identified as a neutron. Given just the mass, we cannot exclusively determine this without more information.

Both Statement 1 and Statement 4 hold true based on the information provided. The mass of 1 amu means the particle must be either a proton or neutron. Therefore, it must reside in the nucleus, making Statement 1 correct. Additionally, if it’s a neutron, it would indeed have a charge of 0, making Statement 4 also correct.

So, the correct statements about the subatomic particle must be:
- Statement 1: Its location is in the nucleus, because the particle is a proton or a neutron.
- Statement 4: Its charge is 0, because the particle is a neutron.

Therefore, the final correct statements are:
Statement 1 and Statement 4.