Protons, Neutrons and Electrons

Front

What are protons?

Back

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

Front

What are neutrons?

Back

Neutrons are neutral subatomic 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 subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are involved in chemical bonding and reactions.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number).

Front

What is the atomic mass?

Back

The atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an atom's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

What happens to an atom when it gains electrons?

Back

When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion.

Front

What happens to an atom when it loses electrons?

Back

When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation.

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 the relationship between protons and electrons in a neutral atom?

Back

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in no overall charge.