In this chapter, we will understand the what is proton as well as its mass and charge. We know that an atom is electrically neutral. Before going to understand this topic, we will understand what is a proton.
What is Proton?
A proton is a subatomic particle which is present in the nucleus of every atom. It was discovered by German physicist Eugen Goldstein during the study of anode rays or canal rays which originate in the region between cathode and anode in discharge tube. Proton was named by Ernest Rutherford in 1917.
The word “proton” is derived from the Greek word “Prote”, which means “first”. This name was chosen because the proton was considered the fundamental particle of atomic nuclei.
An atom consists of protons, electrons, and neutrons. The entire atom’s mass is concentrated in the nucleus, which is located at the center. This nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are collectively referred to as nucleons. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in distinct energy levels or shells. These shells are arranged at various distances from the nucleus. Each shell can hold a certain number of electrons.
What is the Charge of Proton?
A proton is a positively charged particle which has a charge + 1 elementary charge unit or simply one unit positive charge. In terms of electric charge, this is approximately +1.602 × 10−19 coulombs. So, the proton carries a charge +1.60 × 10–19 coulombs or + 1 elementary charge unit.
This positive charge of the proton is exactly equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge of an electron, which is approximately −1.602 × 10−19 coulombs.
Protons are positively charged particles, while electrons carry a negative charge. Neutrons, in contrast, are neutral and carry no charge. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, which balances the positive and negative charges and ensures that the atom is electrically neutral. Thus, protons play an important role for the stability of the atomic structure as it balances the negative charge of electrons.
What is the Mass of Proton?
Proton is a fundamental particle in the nucleus of an atom. The mass of a proton is nearly equal to that of a hydrogen atom. A hydrogen atom contains one electron and one proton. Therefore, the mass of hydrogen is slightly higher because it also contains one electron.
However, the mass of an electron is considered being negligible. Therefore, we can say that the mass of a hydrogen atom equals the mass of a proton. The mass of a proton is 1840 times the mass of an electron.
Actual Mass of Proton = 1.6726219 × 10-27 kilograms = 1.6726219 × 10-24 grams.
For practical purposes, it is often rounded to 1.67×10−27 kilograms or 1.67 × 10-24 grams.
On the relative scale, the proton has a mass 1 atomic mass unit (amu) which is approximately 1.66053906660×10 −27 kilograms.
Key Points of Protons
Here are some key points about protons that you should keep in mind:
- Definition: A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle which has one unit mass and one unit positive charge.
- Charge: A proton carries a charge +1.60 × 10–19 coulombs or + 1 elementary charge unit. The electrical charge of the proton is equal in magnitude, but opposite to that of the electron.
- Mass: A proton has a mass of approximately 1.67×10−27 kilograms, which is about 1,836 times the mass of an electron.
- Discovery: In 1917, Sir Ernest Rutherford discovered protons by bombarding nitrogen nuclei with alpha particles (helium nuclei), which led to the emission of hydrogen nuclei, known as protons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of proton?
A proton is a fundamental subatomic particle with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude and opposite to the negative charge of an electron. Its mass is nearly equal to the mass of hydrogen atom.
How is proton produced?
Proton is produced when an electron is removed from a neutral hydrogen atom.
H —-> H+ + e–
Here, H+ (hydrogen ion) is a proton. Hydrogen consists of one proton and one electron, so removing the electron produces a positively charged proton.
Why are protons important in chemistry?
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines the element’s atomic number, which defines its position on the periodic table and its chemical properties. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while oxygen has eight.
Who is the father of Proton?
Sir E. Rutherford is the father of Proton.
What does a proton contain?
The proton is made up of three quarks. Two of these are up quarks (which have a positive charge of +2/3 each), and one is a down quark (which has a charge of -1/3). These quarks are held together by a strong nuclear force, mediated by gluons.