When building an atom, pay close attention to the particles' electrical charges. Protons have a charge of +1. Electrons have a charge of -1. Neutrons are neutral, as its name implies. A stable atom ...

Protons are about 99.86% as massive as neutrons according to the Jefferson Lab. The number of protons in an atom is unique to each element.

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons and electrons, but different numbers of neutrons. These slight differences in mass can affect how electrons experience forces within the atom.

Part of Physics (Single Science) Unit 1: Atomic and nuclear physics Protons and neutrons are the heaviest particles in an atom and as a result they make up most of its mass. The mass of electrons is ...

Each distinct chemical element is characterized by a specific number of protons, but can have varying numbers of neutrons. These different versions of an element are called isotopes.

Try to keep the same number of neutrons and protons as you build your atom. If the imbalance is too great, radioactive decay will occur. Carbon-14, to take one example, is unstable.