The increasing order for the values of e/m (charge/mass) for the electron (e), proton (p), neutron (n) and alpha particle (α) is:
A.e, p, n, α
B.n, p, e, α
C.n, p, α, e
D.n, α, p, e
Hint:The charge-to-mass ratio (e/m) is a physical quantity extensively used in the study of charged particles in electrodynamics. Determining the charge-to-mass ratio allows us to calculate the mass of a charged particle by observing its charge effects. Every charged particle possesses its own charge-to-mass ratio.
Complete step by step answer:
Let us now calculate the charge to mass ratio of each one of the given charged particle:
Electron (e):
The charge on electron is taken as 1 (negative) and the mass of electron is 11837 u
And thus, e/m for electrons is:111837 = 111837.
Neutron (n):
The charge on the neutron is zero and thus its charge to mass ratio is also zero.
Proton (p):
The charge on a proton is 1 (positive). And its mass is also 1 u.
Thus, e/m for proton is 1.
Alpha particle (α):
The charge on an alpha particle is 2 and its mass is 4. Which gives us the charge to mass ratio of alpha particle as 24=0.5
Arranging all the calculated values of charge-to-mass ratio of all the given particles in increasing order we have: n, p, α, e.
Hence, the correct option is D.
Note: It’s important to note that atoms are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Alpha particles, or alpha rays, consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together, resembling a Helium-4 nucleus. During nuclear reactions, alpha rays are emitted. There are other charged rays like alpha rays, such as beta rays; however, beta rays carry a negative charge, while alpha rays carry a positive charge.