Protons, neutrons, electrons

Front

What are protons?

Back

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They determine the atomic number and identity of an element.

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atomic mass but do not affect the charge of the atom.

Front

What are electrons?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding and reactions.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

The charge of a proton is +1.

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

Back

Neutrons have no charge (neutral).

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

The charge of an electron is -1.

Front

What is an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

How do you determine the charge of an atom?

Back

The charge of an atom is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive) and electrons (negative).