Atoms are the smallest units of a chemical element that exist independently. An atom consists of a nucleus and electrons, which orbit the nucleus.
Protons: same mass as neutrons, but with a positive charge.
Neutrons: same mass as protons, but without an electrical charge.
Electrons: orbit in shells around the nucleus. Small mass. Negatively charged. Their no. determines the chemical properties of an atom.
In an atom, the number of protons and electrons is the same, therefore giving the atom no overall charge.
Atomic number: the number of protons in an atom
Mass number: the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
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