Structure of the Atom

An atom is composed of 3 subatomic particles: proton, neutron, electron!

Protons have a positive charge, usually represented by the symbol: P

Neutrons have a neutral charge, usually written in the form of N

Both of these subatomic particles are found in the nucleus. However, the electrons are found orbiting around the nucleus. This subatomic particle has a negative charge.

On the periodic table, the number of protons in the nucleus can found by looking at the atomic number (which is located right above the atomic symbol).
Right below the atomic symbol is the atomic mass, which is the total number of the neutron and the proton. To get the number of the neutron in the atom, simply subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass!













Isotopes:

Isotopes are atoms that have the same atomic number, but a different number of neutron! This results in the atom having a different weight!