FTCE Subject Area Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Prep Guide

The statement that describes the mass of an electron accurately reflects that it is negligible compared to the mass of a neutron. The mass of an electron is approximately 9.11 x 10^-31 kilograms, which is significantly smaller than the mass of both protons and neutrons. A proton has a mass of about 1.67 x 10^-27 kilograms, while a neutron is slightly more massive at about 1.68 x 10^-27 kilograms. Since both protons and neutrons are several hundred times more massive than an electron, it underscores why the electron's mass can be considered negligible in comparison.

In scientific contexts, this understanding is important when considering atomic structure and behavior, as the comparatively massive protons and neutrons dominate the mass of an atom, while electrons occupy space around the nucleus and contribute minimally to the atom's overall mass. This concept is foundational in chemistry and physics, impacting how we interpret atomic interactions and bonding.