Final answer:
All elements are made from atoms, which are composed of subatomic particles: electrons (negative charge), protons (positive charge), and neutrons (neutral). Protons and neutrons give atoms their mass and determine the element, while electrons determine its chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic particle from which all elements are made is known as an atom. Atoms themselves are composed of smaller parts called subatomic particles, which include electrons, protons, and, with one exception, neutrons. The electron is a tiny subatomic particle with a negative charge, often represented as e-. Protons are more massive subatomic particles with a positive charge, represented as p+. Neutrons are subatomic particles with about the same mass as protons but no charge, represented as either n or nº. Collectively, the protons and neutrons give mass to the atom and are located in its nucleus, while the electrons 'spin' around the nucleus at close to the speed of light. The number of protons in the nucleus specifies the identity of the element, while the number of electrons influences its chemical properties.