: Atoms can lose or gain electrons to become ions (charged particles) or vary their number of neutrons to become isotopes of the same element.
: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in specific regions called shells or orbitals. They are much smaller than protons and neutrons. Key Characteristics : Atoms can lose or gain electrons to
: This is the count of protons in the nucleus. For example, Hydrogen has 1 proton, while Gold has 79. Key Characteristics : This is the count of
: Positively charged particles located in the center of the atom (the nucleus). The number of protons determines the identity of the element. The number of protons determines the identity of the element
: Most of an atom's volume is actually empty space. If an atom were expanded to the size of a football stadium, the nucleus would be the size of a marble in the center, and the electrons would be like tiny gnats buzzing around the highest seats.