Basic Parts of an Atom

Charges
• Protons- positive (+)

• Neutrons-neutral (0)

• Electrons- negative (-)

 Protons
• Protons have a positive charge (+)

• They are found inside of the nucleus

 Neutrons
• Neutrons have a neutral charge (0)

• They are found inside of the nucleus with

the protons
 Electrons
• Electrons have a negative charge (-)

• They are orbiting outside of the nucleus

 What It Tells You
• Mass Number- protons plus neutrons;
bigger number
• Atomic Number- protons or electrons;
smaller number
• Symbol- abbreviated name; letters
 Questions
• 1. What is the charge of the electron?
• 2. Where is the proton found?
• 3. How do you find the atomic number in
an element?
• 4. What does the symbol tell you in an
element?