The charged particles in the beams that Thomson studied came from atoms. As these particles moved away from their original atoms, they formed a visible beam. The current model of the atom includes protons, neutrons, and electrons.What is the best use of an atomic model to explain the charge of the particles in Thomson’s beams?
Answer
A
An atom’s negative particles are surrounded by positive matter, so the positive particles are easier to remove.
B
An atom’s positive particles are surrounded by negative matter, so the negative particles are easier to remove.
C
An atom’s smaller negative particles are at a distance from the central positive particles, so the negative particles are easier to remove.
D
An atom’s larger positive particles are at a distance from the central negative particles, so the positive particles are easier to remove.
Explanation
Thomson’s beams consisted of negatively charged particles, which we now identify as electrons. In the modern atomic model, electrons are relatively small and located outside the nucleus, while the positive protons are concentrated in the nucleus. Because the electrons are farther from the central positive particles, they are easier to remove from atoms. Thus, choice C best explains the beams’ negative charge.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.