Subatomic Particles, Charge, and Mass

Flashcards about subatomic particles, charge, and mass based on lecture notes.

What are atoms?

Tiny particles that are basic units of matter, like building blocks.

What are the subatomic particles that make up an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is the nucleus?

The center of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons.

What is the electron cloud?

The area outside the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found.

What are the charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons?

Protons: positive charge of one plus. Electrons: negative charge of one minus. Neutrons: no charge (neutral).

What unit is used to express the masses of subatomic particles?

Unified atomic mass unit (u).

How do the masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons compare?

Protons and neutrons have a similar mass, about one u. Electrons have a mass of about 0.0005 u.

Where does nearly all the mass of an atom reside?

Nearly all the mass of an atom resides in the nucleus.

What subatomic particles are all atoms composed of?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.