Ever wondered what's inside the atoms that make up everything... Show more
Chemistry244 views·Updated Jun 11, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Subatomic Particles: Key Concepts
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What Are Subatomic Particles?
Think of subatomic particles as the building blocks inside atoms - they're literally smaller than atoms themselves. Every atom contains exactly three types of these particles, and they're what determine how different elements behave.
The three particles you need to know are electrons, protons, and neutrons. Each has its own unique properties that make atoms work the way they do.
Here's what makes each special: electrons have virtually no mass and carry a negative charge (-1), protons have a mass of 1 and carry a positive charge (+1), while neutrons also have a mass of 1 but are completely neutral with no charge.
Quick Tip: Remember "PEN" - Protons are Positive, Electrons are Negative, Neutrons are Neutral!
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Inside the Atom Structure
Picture an atom like a miniature solar system, but instead of planets orbiting the sun, you've got electrons zipping around a central nucleus. This nucleus is incredibly tiny compared to the whole atom, yet it contains nearly all the atom's mass.
The nucleus is where protons and neutrons hang out together, packed tightly in the centre. Meanwhile, electrons exist in the space around this nucleus, constantly moving in what we call electron shells.
This arrangement is crucial because it determines everything from why elements react differently to how electricity flows through materials.
Remember: The nucleus is like a dense core with protons and neutrons, whilst electrons orbit around the outside!
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Key Properties Summary
Now you can see how it all fits together! Electrons are the lightweight particles with negative charges that orbit outside the nucleus in shells. They're responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity.
Protons live in the nucleus and their positive charge balances out the electrons' negative charge in a neutral atom. The number of protons actually defines what element you're looking at.
Neutrons are also found in the nucleus alongside protons, but they don't carry any charge - they're neutral. They add mass to the atom and help hold the nucleus together despite all those positive protons trying to repel each other.
Exam Tip: Learn the charges and locations - electrons , protons , neutrons (0, nucleus)!
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Chemistry244 views·Updated Jun 11, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Subatomic Particles: Key Concepts
Ever wondered what's inside the atoms that make up everything around you? Understanding subatomic particles is your key to unlocking how matter works at the tiniest level - and it's actually quite straightforward once you get the basics!
1
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- Join milions of students
What Are Subatomic Particles?
Think of subatomic particles as the building blocks inside atoms - they're literally smaller than atoms themselves. Every atom contains exactly three types of these particles, and they're what determine how different elements behave.
The three particles you need to know are electrons, protons, and neutrons. Each has its own unique properties that make atoms work the way they do.
Here's what makes each special: electrons have virtually no mass and carry a negative charge (-1), protons have a mass of 1 and carry a positive charge (+1), while neutrons also have a mass of 1 but are completely neutral with no charge.
Quick Tip: Remember "PEN" - Protons are Positive, Electrons are Negative, Neutrons are Neutral!
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Inside the Atom Structure
Picture an atom like a miniature solar system, but instead of planets orbiting the sun, you've got electrons zipping around a central nucleus. This nucleus is incredibly tiny compared to the whole atom, yet it contains nearly all the atom's mass.
The nucleus is where protons and neutrons hang out together, packed tightly in the centre. Meanwhile, electrons exist in the space around this nucleus, constantly moving in what we call electron shells.
This arrangement is crucial because it determines everything from why elements react differently to how electricity flows through materials.
Remember: The nucleus is like a dense core with protons and neutrons, whilst electrons orbit around the outside!
3
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Key Properties Summary
Now you can see how it all fits together! Electrons are the lightweight particles with negative charges that orbit outside the nucleus in shells. They're responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity.
Protons live in the nucleus and their positive charge balances out the electrons' negative charge in a neutral atom. The number of protons actually defines what element you're looking at.
Neutrons are also found in the nucleus alongside protons, but they don't carry any charge - they're neutral. They add mass to the atom and help hold the nucleus together despite all those positive protons trying to repel each other.
Exam Tip: Learn the charges and locations - electrons , protons , neutrons (0, nucleus)!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Neutron
1Most popular content in Chemistry
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user