crossword clue charged particle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "charged particle," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by length, along with explanations to help you understand the context and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue charged particle" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ION: A common term for an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge.
5 Letters
ANION: A negatively charged ion.
ALPHA: Short for an alpha particle, which is a positively charged helium nucleus.
6 Letters
PROTON: A stable subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom, with a positive electric charge.
CATION: A positively charged ion.
8 Letters
ELECTRON: A stable subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, found in all atoms.
POSITRON: The antimatter counterpart of the electron, having a positive electric charge.
More About "charged particle"
In physics and chemistry, a charged particle is an atom or molecule that has an unequal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative electrical charge. This imbalance makes the particle an "ion." If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (a cation); if it gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged (an anion).
Beyond ions, the term "charged particle" also refers to fundamental subatomic particles that inherently carry an electric charge, such as protons (positive) and electrons (negative). Understanding these basic concepts can often help you deduce the correct answer in crosswords, especially when the clue points towards a specific type of charged particle.
Crossword puzzles frequently use "ION" as the most generic answer for "charged particle" due to its versatility and common usage. However, more specific clues might lead to "PROTON," "ELECTRON," or even "ALPHA" (for an alpha particle), depending on the context and the number of letters required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of boxes available. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, especially for a clue like "charged particle" which has several possible answers.
- Think Broad and Specific: For scientific or technical clues, consider both the most general term (like ION) and more specific examples (like ELECTRON or PROTON). The surrounding letters or other clues might provide hints.
- Look for Plurals or Tenses: Even if the clue is singular, sometimes the answer needs to be plural, or in a specific tense. This isn't the case for "charged particle" but is a general tip for other clues.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They can confirm a suspicion or rule out an incorrect answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charged particle in simple terms?
A charged particle is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative electrical charge. This imbalance is what makes it 'charged'.
Why do crosswords often use 'ION' for 'charged particle'?
ION is the most generic and common term for any charged atom or molecule, making it a versatile and frequently used answer in crosswords for 'charged particle' or similar clues. It's concise and fits many grid layouts.
Are protons and electrons considered charged particles?
Yes, both protons and electrons are fundamental charged particles. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge, and their imbalance in an atom leads to the formation of ions.