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The three major sub-atomic particles are : - PROTONS, ELECTRONS and NEUTRONS.

Protons are positively charged (+) and found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons are negatively charged (-) and found around (not IN) the nucleus of an atom.

Neutrons have no charge (o) and are found in the nucleus of an atom .

The number of protons ( and electrons) is the ATOMIC NUMBER, and the atoms position in the Periodic Table .

The number of protons equals the number of electrons ( in order to keep the charges balanced).

The Sum total of the protons and neutrons is the Atomic Mass/WEIGHT.

The number of neutrons can vary This gives a different atomic mass for a given element and are known as ISOTOPES.

Taking hydrogen as an example It has three isotopes.

[1/1]H (Protium) ; 1 proton . ZERO(NO) neutrons, 1 electron.

[2/1]H (deuterium); 1 proton , 1 neutron , 1 electron

[3/1]H (tritium); 1 proton, 2 neutrons, 1 electron . (This isotope is radio-active)

[1/1] protium is the most common isotope of hydrogen , and what is normally thought of as hydrogen.

[2/1] deuterium is sometimes named as 'heavy hydrogen'. It is not a very common isotope.

[3/1] tritium is sometimes named as 'super-heavy hydrogen'. It is a rare isotope ,and because of its radio-activity only found in labs.

However, as mentioned above for all isotopes the protons and neutrons are in the nucleus of the atom, and collectively they are named as 'nucleons'. The electrons are found outside the nucleus.

These 'rules' apply to all elements.

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lenpollock

Lvl 16
4y ago

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