By how much do protons weigh more than electrons?

Prepare for the Electrical Apprenticeship Exemption Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Ace your exam!

Protons weigh significantly more than electrons, and the approximate weight difference is about 1840 times. This is due to the fundamental properties of these subatomic particles. A proton has a mass of about 1.67 × 10^-27 kilograms, while an electron has a mass of approximately 9.11 × 10^-31 kilograms. When you compare the two, you find that the mass of a proton is roughly 1836 times greater than that of an electron.

Understanding this mass difference is essential in various fields of physics and chemistry, especially when studying atomic structure, nuclear reactions, and how atoms interact with one another. Electrons, being much lighter and negatively charged, inhabit the outer regions of an atom, while protons, which are positively charged, reside within the nucleus alongside neutrons. This arrangement has profound implications for atomic stability and the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.

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