Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter that make up everyday objects.
Within the typical atom, there are three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Other particles exist as well, such as alpha and beta particles. The atom is a basic unit of matter. Within the typical atom, there are three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Other particles exist as well, such as alpha and beta particles. The Bohr Model shows the three basic subatomic particles in a simple manner. Most of an atom's mass is in the nucleus, a small dense area at the center of every atom formed by nucleons. Nucleons are protons and neutrons. All of the positivity of an atom is contained in the nucleus, because the protons have a positive charge. Neutrons are neutral, meaning they have no charge. Electrons, which have a negative charge, are located outside of the nucleus.
Protons exist in a nucleus and have a positive nuclear charge. The atomic number or proton number is the number of protons present in an atom. The atomic number determines an element (e.g., the element of atomic number 6 is Carbon).
An electron is a very small piece of matter and energy. Its symbol is e−. The electron is a subatomic particle. It is believed to be an elementary particle because it cannot be broken down into anything smaller. It is negatively charged, and may move almost at the speed of light.
A neutron is a subatomic particle contained in the atomic nucleus. It has no net electric charge, unlike the proton's positive electric charge.