Atomic Structure

Atom and Sub-atomic particles

All atoms are made of smaller particles named: protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons counted together make the mass number of an atom, and are located in a specific central area of the atom called nucleus. Both protons and neutrons and the massive, and make the most of the mass of an atom.

Electrons are very light and are in continuous motion around the nucleus. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in an atom and helps to figure out the atomic number of an atom i.e. the number of protons. Electrons move in specific paths, called shells. They have specific amount of energy, and can jump between shells, as well as can leave the shell in some cases.