Protons, neutrons, and electrons

Protons have a positive charge and are located in the nucleus

Neutrons have no charge and are also located in the nucleus

Electrons have a negative charge and orbit around the nucleus

Protons and neutrons are tightly packed in the nucleus

The nucleus has a positive charge due to the presence of protons

Electrons occupy energy levels or shells around the nucleus

Electrons are arranged in specific energy levels based on their energy

The further an electron is from the nucleus, the higher its energy level

Positively charged particles

Determine the atomic number of an element

The number of protons defines the identity of an element

Neutral particles

Help stabilize the nucleus

Vary in number within isotopes of an element

Negatively charged particles

Determine the chemical behavior of an element

Occupy specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus

Atoms are indivisible and indestructible

Electrons are like plums embedded in a positively charged pudding