ASNT 40 hour Radiation Safety Practice Exam

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Which elementary particle has a negative electrical charge and mass approximately 1/1840 that of a proton?

Neutron

Proton

Electron

The elementary particle that has a negative electrical charge and a mass approximately 1/1840 that of a proton is the electron. Electrons are fundamental components of atoms, existing in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus. Their negative charge is critical for the formation of chemical bonds and the stability of matter, as they balance the positive charge of protons found in the nucleus.

Electrons are significantly lighter than protons and neutrons; the mass of an electron is roughly 1/1836 of a proton's mass, which is close to the value mentioned in the question. This lightweight nature, along with their negative charge, allows electrons to occupy various energy levels around the nucleus and play a crucial role in atomic interactions. Understanding this particle's characteristics is fundamental to grasping concepts in physics and chemistry, including electricity, magnetism, and atomic structure.

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Positron

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