Lesson 1.2 - Subatomic Particles

In this lesson:

• Types of subatomic particles

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Electrons

• Overview

Types of subatomic particles

There are three main subatomic particles:

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Electrons

Protons

Protons are positively charged (+1).

They are found in the nucleus.

Their relative atomic mass is 1.

Neutrons

Neutrons have no charge (0).

They are also found in the nucleus.

Their relative atomic mass is also 1.

Electrons

Electrons have a negative charge (-1).

They are found in 'shells' orbiting around the nucleus.

They have a very small atomic mass (but not 0).

Summary

The table below summarises the different subatomic particles:

Name	Where?	Charge	Mass
Proton	Nucleus	+1	1
Neutron	Nucleus	0	1
Electron	Shells	-1	Very small

Contents

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