Question

A subatomic particle could have a charge of

Answer 1

Answer:

(3) 3.2 × 10–19 C

Explanation:

The charge of a subatomic particle can only be an integer multiple of the fundamental charge, which is

$q=1.6\cdot 10^{-19} C$

So, let's analyze the 4 options:

(1) 5.0 × 10–20 C

$\frac{5.0\cdot 10^{-20}C}{1.6\cdot 10^{-19} C}=0.31$ --> not an integer number

(2) 8.0 × 10–20 C

$\frac{8.0\cdot 10^{-20}C}{1.6\cdot 10^{-19} C}=0.5$ --> not an integer number

(3) 3.2 × 10–19 C

$\frac{3.2\cdot 10^{-19}C}{1.6\cdot 10^{-19} C}=2$ --> integer number

(4) 5.0 × 10–19 C

$\frac{5.0\cdot 10^{-19}C}{1.6\cdot 10^{-19}C}=3.13$ --> not an integer number

So, the only option which is correct is (3).