Question

I saw an answer for this on another question posted, but I don't think the answer was exactly what I was looking for. Can anyone help guide me in the right direction in regards to this question and its subquestions? Thanks.

The proton and electron are particles found to have equal and opposite charges to the precision that the measurements have been made so far. Why is it important that the proton and electron have exactly the same magnitude for the charge? What would happen if the proton and the electron did not have exactly equal and opposite charge? Give at least three specific examples and include at least one numerical calculation in your response.

Answer 1

mass of the proton, m_p = 1.6 x 10^-27 kg

mass of the electron, m_e = 9.1 x 10^-31 kg

charge on proton, q_p = +1.6 x 10^-19 C

charge on electron, q_e = -1.6 x 10^-19 C

the proton and electron have exactly the same magnitude for the charge because in a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus and the net electric charge (means, algebraic sum of all the charges) is exactly zero.

if the proton and the electron did not have exactly equal and opposite charge, then basic particles may be charged so that they will not come together. in most cases, negatively charged electrons are added or removed but a positively charge protons that has lost some of its normal complement of electrons.

three examples of electrons are : beryllium (4), helium (2)

three examples of protons are : carbon (6), hydrogen (1) & oxygen (8)

by numerically calculate :

for "KRYPTON" (atomic number = 36 & mass number = 84)

number of protons = atomic number = 36

number of electrons = number of protons = atomic number = 36

number of neutrons = mass number - atomic number = 84 - 36 = 48