The Structure of the Atom (AQA GCSE Chemistry): Revision Note
Exam code: 8462
Relative electrical charges of subatomic particles
Protons, neutrons and electrons are the subatomic particles that make up atoms
Relative electrical charges
The mass of the atom is concentrated in the positively charged nucleus which is attracted to the negatively charged
Each of the subatomic particles has a different electric charge, which is summarised in the following table
Sub-Atomic Particle Comparison (Charge) Table
Particle | Charge |
|---|---|
Proton | +1 |
Neutron | 0 (neutral) |
Electron | -1 |
Atoms are neutral overall
Even though they contain charged subatomic particles, the charges cancel each other out in an atom
Since the charge on a proton is +1 and on an electron is -1, then the number of protons must be the same as the number of electrons for the charges to cancel each other out and produce a neutral atom
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Protons are Positive sub-atomic particles while Neutrons are Neutral. That leaves the electrons which must therefore be negative.
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