Parts of the Atom
Protons Positive charge Located in the nucleus Contribute to the atomic mass Have a mass of 1 amu Number of protons = the ATOMIC NUMBER The number of protons identifies the element (CANNOT BE CHANGED)
Electrons Negative Charge Outside of the nucleus 1/2000 the mass of a proton Does not contribute to the mass Only particle that can leave the atom (ion formation) Fundamental particle for all chemical processes
Neutrons Located in the nucleus No charge Mass of 1 amu Combine the number of protons and neutrons to calculate the atomic mass Balance the +/- interactions between the protons and electrons
What is in the nucleus? Central core of all atoms Center of mass and dense + charge All protons and neutrons are in the nucleus