How many electrons would be needed to equal the mass of a single proton?

Study for the Atomic Theory Chemistry Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

To understand why the choice of 1840 electrons is correct, it’s important to consider the relative masses of protons and electrons. A proton has a mass of about 1.67 x 10^-27 kg, while an electron has a mass of approximately 9.11 x 10^-31 kg.

When you compare the mass of a single electron to that of a proton, it becomes evident that the proton is significantly heavier. In fact, the mass of one proton is roughly 1836 times greater than the mass of an electron.

To find how many electrons would equal the mass of one proton, you would divide the mass of the proton by the mass of an electron. The calculation leads to about 1836, which rounds to 1840 when considering practical values or additional approximations.

Thus, the conclusion is that it takes approximately 1840 electrons to match the mass of a single proton, making this choice the correct answer. The other options do not accurately reflect this relationship, as they do not provide the proper calculations based on the mass comparison between a proton and an electron.

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