How are electrons different from protons and neutrons?

Answer 1

Several differences:

Electrons are NOT part of the nucleus of an atom, they only encircle it, typically called the electron cloud. Electrons are also negatively charged.

Protons carry a positive charge and are found in the nucleus with neutrons. Neutrons have no electrostatic charge, hence their name.

Furthermore,

Protons contribute to the Atomic Mass as well as represent each element by its atomic number (i.e. atomic number = # protons). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus corresponds to the elements isotope, or "version" of the same element. A different isotope number changes the Atomic Mass (and also sometimes its radioactivity). Electrons on the other hand, contribute electrostatically to elemental interactions and in forming bonds, since these entities are found in the outermost parts of an atom (i.e. in the cloud surrounding the nucleus). Additionally, electrons can be dropped or elevated in their energy states through various ionization energies that can contribute to various atomic activities, such those of certain gases. Some common examples are the Mercury (energy saving) light bulbs, and neon lighting signs.

Answer 2

Several differences:

Electrons are NOT part of the nucleus of an atom, they only encircle it, typically called the electron cloud. Electrons are also negatively charged.

Protons carry a positive charge and are found in the nucleus with neutrons. Neutrons have no electrostatic charge, hence their name.

Furthermore,

Protons contribute to the atomic mass as well as represent each element by its atomic number (i.e. atomic number = # protons). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus corresponds to the elements isotope, or "version" of the same element. A different isotope number changes the atomic mass (and also sometimes its radioactivity). Electrons on the other hand, contribute electrostatically to elemental interactions and in forming bonds, since these entities are found in the outermost parts of an atom (i.e. in the cloud surrounding the nucleus). Additionally, electrons can be dropped or elevated in their energy states through various ionization energies that can contribute to various atomic activities, such those of certain gases. Some common examples are the Mercury (energy saving) light bulbs, and neon lighting signs.

Answer 3

Electrons differ from protons and neutrons in many ways. For one thing, electrons are lighter than protons and neutrons; in fact they're over 1,800 times lighter. Secondly, electrons have a charge of -1, whereas protons have a charge of +1 and neutrons have no charge. Additionally, electrons are fundamental particles, meaning there are no smaller particles that comprise them, unlike protons and neutrons, which are comprised of quarks. Electrons belong to a class of particles called leptons, and thus have an intrinsic, conserved property known as lepton number; a property that protons and neutrons don't have. The last main difference between these particles is that electrons don't interact with the strong nuclear force, but protons and neutrons do.