Subatomic Particles

Subatomic particles are the particles that make up an atom. They include protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are incredibly small and are the building blocks of all matter.

Protons

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and a charge of +1.

Neutrons

Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and no charge.

Electrons

Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles found in orbitals around the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of nearly 0 and a charge of -1.

Study Guide

1. What are subatomic particles?
2. Identify the three subatomic particles and their respective charges and locations within an atom.
3. Explain the relative mass and charge of each subatomic particle.
4. Describe the structure of an atom in terms of subatomic particles.
5. Discuss the role of subatomic particles in determining the properties of elements.

Key Concepts

• Subatomic particles are the building blocks of all matter.
• Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons are found in orbitals around the nucleus.
• Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge.
• The relative mass of protons and neutrons is 1, while the relative mass of electrons is nearly 0.

[Subatomic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Atomic Structure - Set IChemistry • High School
• Atoms and Chemical BondingChemistry • High School
• The Science of PhysicsPhysics • High School