An atom is composed of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles come together to form the structure of an atom.
Protons: Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, or the central core, of an atom. Each proton carries a positive electrical charge of +1.
Neutrons: Neutrons are electrically neutral particles found in the nucleus alongside protons. They have no electrical charge, meaning they are neither positively nor negatively charged.
Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or electron shells. Electrons have a much smaller mass compared to protons and neutrons. They balance the positive charge of the protons to maintain the overall neutrality of the atom.
The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which identifies the element. For example, an atom with one proton is hydrogen, while an atom with six protons is carbon.
The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the atomic mass or mass number of the atom. It represents the combined mass of the particles in the nucleus.
Electrons occupy specific regions of space around the nucleus known as orbitals or electron shells. Each shell has a maximum number of electrons it can hold, depending on its energy level. The distribution of electrons among the electron shells follows a specific pattern, with the inner shells being filled first before the outer shells.
In summary, atoms are made up of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded by electrons in electron shells. The arrangement and interaction of these subatomic particles determine the properties and behavior of different elements.