Final answer:
An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of Parts of an Atom
An atom consists of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Here are the properties of each:
- Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu) and contribute to the atomic number of an element.
- Neutrons: Neutral particles also found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a mass of approximately 1 amu and contribute to the atomic mass of an element.
- Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus. They have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons and determine the chemical behavior of an element.
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