Chapter 6, Problem 1MC

The charge on an electron

1. a. is 1 C
2. b. depends on the electron’s mass
3. c. depends on the electron’s size
4. d. is always the same

To determine

To choose: The correct option from the given options.

Answer to Problem 1MC

The correct option is “d. is always the same”.

Explanation of Solution

Given data:

From the given data, the charge’s nature on an electron is to be determined.

The electric charge is a fundamental property of a certain elementary particle and it gives rise to electric forces. The basic unit of the electric charge is Coulombs, which is represented by a letter C.

In nature, the electric charge on a proton is $+1.6\times {10}^{-19}\text{C}$, and the electric charge on an electron is $-1.6\times {10}^{-19}\text{C}$. The basic unit of the charge on the electron is abbreviated as e, and its quantity (magnitude) on the electron is $1.6\times {10}^{-19}\text{C}$.

The electric charge on the electron is a constant value and it does not depend on its mass and size.

Since, the electric charge on the electron $\left(1.6\times {10}^{-19}\text{C}\right)$ is a constant value, option d is the correct answer.

Since, the electric charge on the electron is very much less than 1 C, option a is incorrect answer.

Since, the electric charge on the electron does not depend on its mass, option b is incorrect answer.

Since, the electric charge on the electron does not depend on its size, option c is incorrect answer.

Conclusion:

Hence, the correct option is “d. is always the same”.