![]() ![]() ![]() An atom is considered to be electrically neutral if it has an equal number of protons and electrons. Remember, electrons are negatively-charged and are attracted to the positively-charged protons in the nucleus. The nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Generally speaking, atoms with roughly matching numbers of protons and neutrons are more stable against decay. While radioactive decay can occur in a variety of ways, it is, simply put, the process by which unstable atoms break down, releasing particles (and energy). This is important to the NRC because the number of neutrons relative to the protons determines the stability of the nucleus, with certain isotopes undergoing radioactive decay. The number of neutrons determines what isotope an atom is. Now, while the protons are the same in an element, the number of neutrons may vary from atom to atom. In other words, one element cannot be transformed into another (again, with the exception of nuclear reactions). An element, like hydrogen, oxygen or iron, is a substance that cannot be broken down-outside of a nuclear reaction-into anything else. Two atoms with an identical number of protons in their nuclei belong to the same element. The number of protons in the nucleus also defines in large part the characteristics of an atom-is it a gas or a metal, for example. The number of protons in the nucleus, known as the "atomic number," primarily determines where that atom fits on the Periodic Table. The nucleus (or center) of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons. Likewise, just as when you experience resistance trying to push the same ends of two magnets together, protons are repelled from other protons and electrons are repelled from other electrons. So, much like opposite ends of a magnet, protons and electrons are attracted to each other. A fundamental rule is that particles with the same charge are repulsed from each other, while particles with opposite charges are attracted to each other. Neutrons, on the other hand, don't have a charge. Two of the subatomic particles have electrical charges: protons have a positive charge while electrons have a negative charge. There are three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. Given that these particles make up atoms, they are often referred to as subatomic particles. While its name originally referred to a particle that couldn't be divided any more-the smallest thing possible-we now know that each atom is generally made up of smaller particles. Anything that has a mass-in other words, anything that occupies space-is composed of atoms. The atom is considered the basic building block of matter. These opposite charges cancel each other out making the atom neutral.Printable Version The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Science 101: What is an Atom? This is because they contain equal numbers of positive protons and negative electrons. ParticleĮvery atom has no overall charge (neutral). The nucleus has an overall positive charge as it contains the protons. Particles with no charge are also contained in the nucleus of the atom. ![]() Positively charged particles that are contained in the nucleus of the atom (the centre) they have a mass of 1amu (atomic mass unit). Their mass is so small it is nearly zero. Negatively charged particles that spin around the positive centre of the atom in circles called energy levels. The structure of the atom is what gives an element its chemical and physical properties.Ītoms are made up of three smaller particles called electrons, protons and neutrons. Everything in the world is made up of atoms. ![]()
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