charged particle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "charged particle". Whether you're stuck or just looking to verify your answer, we've got you covered with solutions across various letter counts.
Solutions for "charged particle crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ION: An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons and thus has a net electrical charge.
5 Letters
ANION: A negatively charged ion, meaning it has gained one or more electrons.
6 Letters
PROTON: A stable subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom, carrying a positive electric charge.
CATION: A positively charged ion, meaning it has lost one or more electrons.
8 Letters
ELECTRON: A stable subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, found orbiting the nucleus of an atom.
More About "charged particle crossword clue"
The clue "charged particle" points to fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry. These particles are crucial for understanding electricity, chemical reactions, and the very structure of matter. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion—either positively charged (a cation) or negatively charged (an anion). Subatomic particles like protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge) are the basic carriers of charge within an atom.
Crossword puzzles often use such scientific terms to test general knowledge. Recognizing these terms not only helps solve the current puzzle but also builds a stronger foundation for future challenges. Understanding the core properties of these particles—their charge and role—is key to quickly identifying the correct answer based on the number of letters provided in the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For clues like "charged particle," consider if the puzzle has a science theme or if it's a standalone general knowledge clue. This can help narrow down options.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count to possible answers. For "charged particle," an answer like 'ION' fits 3 letters, while 'PROTON' or 'CATION' fit 6, and 'ELECTRON' fits 8.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is to see if its letters fit perfectly with intersecting words. If a letter in your proposed "charged particle" answer doesn't work with an intersecting word, it's time to re-evaluate.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues have multiple valid answers. If your first thought doesn't fit the letter count or intersecting words, consider synonyms or related concepts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charged particle in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, a 'charged particle' most commonly refers to an ION (an atom or molecule with an electric charge), a PROTON (positively charged subatomic particle), or an ELECTRON (negatively charged subatomic particle). Sometimes, it might refer to CATIONS (positively charged ions) or ANIONS (negatively charged ions).
How can I identify a 'charged particle' clue in a crossword?
Look for keywords like 'charged,' 'electric,' 'positive,' 'negative,' 'atom,' 'subatomic,' or 'ion.' The letter count is also crucial; for instance, 'ION' is 3 letters, 'PROTON' is 6, and 'ELECTRON' is 8. Context from surrounding clues can also help narrow down the possibilities, as well as the puzzle's theme.
Are all particles charged?
No, not all particles are charged. For example, a NEUTRON is a subatomic particle with no net electric charge. However, in the context of the 'charged particle' clue, the expected answers will always have an associated electric charge, whether positive or negative, reflecting the 'charged' aspect of the clue.