Which of the following correctly describes the charges and relative masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons?

• A. Proton: 0 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Neutron: +1 charge, mass ≈ 1/1836 amu; Electron: -1 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu
• B. Proton: +1 charge, mass ≈ 1/1836 amu; Neutron: 0 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Electron: -1 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu
• C. Proton: +1 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Neutron: 0 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Electron: -1 charge, mass ≈ 1/1836 amu
• D. Proton: -1 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Neutron: +1 charge, mass ≈ 1 amu; Electron: 0 charge, mass ≈ 1/1836 amu

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental properties of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons are the main components of an atom.
2. Identify the charge of each particle: protons have a positive charge (+1), neutrons have no charge (0), and electrons have a negative charge (-1).
3. Consider the relative masses: protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass, about 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while electrons have a much smaller mass, roughly 1/1836 of an amu.
4. Match these properties to the options given, checking both the charge and the mass values for each particle.
5. Select the option where proton is +1 charge and mass ≈ 1 amu, neutron is 0 charge and mass ≈ 1 amu, and electron is -1 charge and mass ≈ 1/1836 amu.