Protons Neutrons Electrons Flashcards, test questions and answers
Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Protons Neutrons Electrons and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Protons Neutrons Electrons and get quick solutions for your test.
What is Protons Neutrons Electrons?
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three main types of particles that make up an atom. Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons are neutral particles located in the nucleus but do not carry any electrical charge. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus at a certain distance and form shells or clouds of electrons around it. Protons have a mass of 1 atomic mass unit (amu) while neutrons have a slightly larger mass at 1.008 amu. Electrons carry no mass as they only contain energy, making them incredibly small within an atom’s structure. The number of protons determines what element an atom is as each element has a unique proton count, while the number of neutrons can vary depending on which isotope of that element is present. Protons and electrons create a bond due to their opposite charges, allowing them to be attracted to each other and form atoms from the building blocks provided by nature itself. Without these forces between protons and electrons we wouldn’t be able to experience life as we know it today. Neutrons act as mediators between protons and electrons due to their neutral charge but also help stabilise large nuclei by helping keep them together via strong nuclear forces known as nuclear binding energy which keeps atoms from flying apart due to their natural repulsion caused by like-charged particles (protons). In conclusion, protons, neutrons, and electrons are all essential components inside atoms that work together in harmony with one another in order for us to experience this world around us.