Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus with a relative charge of +1. Neutrons have no electric charge and add mass and stability to the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles found in orbitals around the nucleus, with a relative charge of –1. The balance of protons and electrons determines the overall charge of an atom. Variations in neutron number produce isotopes, while changes in electron number produce ions.