Subatomic Particles

Subatomic Particles

Protons

• Positively charged particles
• Found in the nucleus of an atom
• Have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
• Number of protons in an atom determines the element of an atom

Neutrons

• Have no charge
• Found in the nucleus of an atom
• Have a mass of approximately 1 amu
• Number of neutrons in an atom determines the isotope of an element

Electrons

• Negatively charged particles
• Found in energy levels or shells around the nucleus of an atom
• Have a very small mass (approximately 1/1836 that of a proton)
• Number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons, determining the neutral charge of an atom

Other Subatomic Particles

• Quarks: Protons and neutrons are composed of quarks, which are among the smallest known particles in the universe
• Antiparticles: Each subatomic particle has an antiparticle, which has the same mass but opposite charge (e.g., antiproton, antielectron)

Note: These are the main subatomic particles, but there are other particles like muons, neutrinos, and photons that are not directly part of the atomic structure.

Subatomic Particles

• Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, with a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
• The number of protons in an atom determines the element of an atom.
• Neutrons have no charge, are found in the nucleus of an atom, and have a mass of approximately 1 amu.
• The number of neutrons in an atom determines the isotope of an element.
• Electrons are negatively charged particles found in energy levels or shells around the nucleus of an atom, with a very small mass (approximately 1/1836 that of a proton).
• The number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons, determining the neutral charge of an atom.

Composition of Protons and Neutrons

• Protons and neutrons are composed of quarks, which are among the smallest known particles in the universe.

Antiparticles

• Each subatomic particle has an antiparticle, which has the same mass but opposite charge (e.g., antiproton, antielectron).
• Other subatomic particles include muons, neutrinos, and photons, which are not directly part of the atomic structure.