Description of an atom

Answer 1

There are multiple conceptual models and mapping of the atom. Elementary models use visual maps of the proton, neutron and electron. Other maps use mathematical equations to describe quantum theory and subatomic particles.

Answer 2

An atom has a group of protons and neutrons in the center in a clump called a nucleus. Protons carry a charge of +1, while neutrons, as the name suggests, are neutral (charge of 0). Both these weigh almost the same. Around the nucleus are electrons. They weigh very close to zero, and carry a charge of -1. In an atom the amount of positively charged particles (Protons) is equal to the negatively charged particles (electrons) are equal, so the whole atom has a charge of 0. However, atoms are not to be mistaken with ions. Ions do not have the same amount of electrons and protons in it. This causes the ion to have either a positive or negative charge. The amount of protons in the same type ion or atom stays the same and is the atomic number, the number that is used to organize the Periodic Table of elements. The weight is the number of protons and neutrons in an atom, and in a particular isotope again remains the same. Electrons are not included in the weight because their weight is close to non existent.