Static Electricity - Mission SE1 Detailed Help

In typical electrostatic experiments, protons cannot be gained or lost from an atom because they are _____.


 
The Structure of An Atom:
The three main subatomic particles are the proton, electron and neutron. The proton and neutron are the more massive of the three subatomic particles; they are located in the nucleus of the atom, forming the dense core of the atom. The proton is charged positively. The neutron does not possess a charge and is said to be neutral. The protons and neutrons are bound tightly together within the nucleus of the atom. Outside the nucleus are concentric spherical regions of space known as electron shells. The shells are the home of negatively charged electrons.


 
Many students have the misconception that an object can become positively-charged by gaining protons. But don't be fooled! Protons are indeed positively charged, but they are present in the nucleus of atoms and as such are tightly bound in that location. The charging of objects always occurs by means of a movement of electrons - either off of an object or onto an object.


 

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