Question

Which of the following statements regarding protons are correct? 

a. They have a negative charge 

b. They are equal to the number of electrons in a non-ionized atom 

c. They are equal to the atomic number in a non-ionized atom 

d. They have no mass e. They increase in number relative to neutrons, following electron capture

Answer 1

a. False. Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. 

b. True. 

c. True. Protons (atomic number (Z)) þ neutrons (A – Z) ¼ mass number (A)). 

d. False. Both protons and neutrons have a mass. Electrons have a negligible mass. 

e. False. Following electron capture the nucleus may increase its number of neutrons relative to protons by capturing an electron from the K-shell (p + þ → e n)