How does the mass of a proton compare to the mass of an electron?

• A. The mass of a proton is slightly less than the mass of an electron.
• B. The mass of a proton is equal to the mass of an electron.
• C. The mass of a proton is slightly greater than the mass of an electron.
• D. The mass of a proton is much greater than the mass of an electron.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental particles in an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each has a characteristic mass.
2. Understand that the mass of a proton is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), which is about \$1.67 \times 10^{-27}$ kilograms.
3. Know that the mass of an electron is much smaller, approximately \$9.11 \times 10^{-31}$ kilograms.
4. Compare the two masses by dividing the mass of the proton by the mass of the electron: \(\frac{1.67 \times 10^{-27}}{9.11 \times 10^{-31}}\).
5. Recognize that this ratio shows the proton is roughly 1836 times more massive than the electron, meaning the proton's mass is much greater than the electron's mass.