Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains one or more protons and neutrons and one or more electrons circling the nucleus. Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons do not have a charge. Elements are made up of one kind of atom. In other words, all the atoms in an element have the same number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Compounds are made up of different elements. Therefore, the atoms in a compound do not all have the same number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. |
Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains one or more protons and neutrons and one or more electrons circling the nucleus. Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons do not have a charge. Elements are made up of one kind of atom. All atoms of an element have the same number of protons. All neutrally charged atoms in an element have the same number of protons and electrons. Neutrons may vary. Compounds are made up of different elements. Therefore, the atoms in a compound do not all have the same number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. |
