What three subatomic particles make up atoms?
1 Answer
Nov 2, 2015
Protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Explanation:
Protons are positively charged and are located in the nucleus. The number of protons also determines the identity of the atom (its atomic number). They also help contribute to the atomic weight.
Neutrons have no electrical charge and are also in the nucleus. They help keep the protons stable since like-charges repel each other. The number of neutrons determines the rest of the atomic weight. Changes in neutron number create isotopes.
Electrons are negatively charged and are located orbiting the nucleus. They are of negligible mass and don't contribute to the atomic weight. Changes in electrons changes the charge of the atom, creating an ion if it's more/less than the number of protons in the nucleus.
