Relative Charges of the Proton, Electron & Neutron
- Protons, neutrons and electrons are the subatomic particles that make up atoms
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
- 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
Exam Tip
Protons are Positive sub-atomic particles while Neutrons are Neutral. That leaves the electrons which must therefore be negative.
