Untitled Flashcard Set

Atoms are made up of three main subatomic particles:

  1. Electron
    🔹 Basic Info

    • Symbol: e⁻

    • Charge: Negative (-1)

    • Mass: Very small (almost 0)

    🔹 Location

    • Found in the electron cloud (energy levels/shells) around the nucleus

    🔹 Key Points

    • Move very fast around the nucleus

    • Responsible for chemical reactions and bonding

    • Number of electrons = number of protons (in a neutral atom)

  2. Proton
    🔹 Basic Info

    • Symbol: p⁺

    • Charge: Positive (+1)

    • Mass: 1 atomic mass unit (amu)

    🔹 Location

    • Found in the nucleus (center of the atom)

    🔹 Key Points

    • Determines the element type (e.g., 1 proton = Hydrogen, 6 protons = Carbon)

    • Number of protons = atomic number

    • Does not change in normal chemical reactions

  3. Neutron
    🔹 Basic Info

    • Symbol: n⁰

    • Charge: Neutral (0)

    • Mass: 1 atomic mass unit (amu) (same as proton)

    🔹 Location

    • Found in the nucleus

    🔹 Key Points

    • Helps stabilize the nucleus

    • Number can vary → creates isotopes

    • Adds to the mass of the atom

📊 Comparison Table

Particle

Charge

Mass

Location

Electron

-1

~0

Outside nucleus

Proton

+1

1 amu

Nucleus

Neutron

0

1 amu

Nucleus

🧠 Important Concepts

  • Atomic Number = Number of protons (Identifies the element)

  • Mass Number = Protons + Neutrons

  • Neutral Atom: Protons = Electrons

💡 Example For Carbon:

  • Protons = 6

  • Electrons = 6

  • Neutrons = 6

  • Mass number = 6 + 6 = 12

🔥 Quick Memory Trick

  • Proton = Positive

  • Electron = Negative

  • Neutron = Neutral