Which subatomic particles do not affect the stability of the atom?

• A. Electrons
• B. Neutrons
• C. Both protons and neutrons
• D. Protons

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the roles of subatomic particles in an atom. Protons determine the element's identity and contribute to the positive charge of the nucleus.
2. Step 2: Recognize that neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom and play a key role in stabilizing the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.
3. Step 3: Know that electrons orbit the nucleus and are involved in chemical reactions and bonding, but they have negligible effect on the nucleus's stability.
4. Step 4: Analyze the question: which particles do not affect the stability of the atom? Since stability refers mainly to the nucleus, focus on particles inside the nucleus (protons and neutrons).
5. Step 5: Conclude that electrons, being outside the nucleus and not contributing to nuclear forces, do not affect the stability of the atom.