STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM
Chemistry
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The atom is the basic unit of a chemical element. It consists of a central nucleus containing positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons that orbit the nucleus.
- Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus. They determine the atomic number of an element.
- Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus. They contribute to the mass of the atom.
- Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells.
The number of protons in an atom defines the element. The number of electrons usually equals the number of protons in a neutral atom.
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