Subatomic particles are the particles that make up an atom. There are three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are the building blocks of matter and play a crucial role in the structure and behavior of atoms.
Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and a charge of +1.
Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of 1 and no charge (neutral).
Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom in specific energy levels or shells. They have a relative mass of nearly 0 and a charge of -1.
Understanding subatomic particles is essential for comprehending the structure of atoms and the behavior of matter at the atomic level. Mastering the properties and roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons is fundamental to understanding the foundations of chemistry and physics.