Which subatomic particle(s) are found in the nucleus of the atom

Note that, despite the popular model, electrons do not orbit at fixed distances from the center of an atom. Rather, they reside within an electron cloud as shown in the figure. Except for nuclear chemistry, all chemistry involves the distribution of electrons among different atoms of compounds. The third subatomic particle is the neutron.

Neutrons have approximately the same mass as protons, but they do not have a charge. Along with protons, neutrons comprise the nucleus at the center of an atom. What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem? Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the The Atom concept. You can view video lessons to learn The Atom. Or if you need more The Atom practice, you can also practice The Atom practice problems.

If you forgot your password, you can reset it. Join thousands of students and gain free access to 46 hours of Chemistry videos that follow the topics your textbook covers. Analytical Chemistry Video Lessons. Cell Biology Video Lessons. Genetics Video Lessons. The word atom comes the Greek word atmos meaning indivisible particle, and the Greek Philosophers are credited with the first atomic theory.

We now know that atoms can in fact be broken down into sub-atomic particles. A more precise definition might be that elements can be sub - divided into atoms and that although further sub - division can take place the identity of the original element will be lost. At KS3 pupils are introduced to a model of atomic structure which Ernest Rutherford developed in the late 19 th century when his team probed the interior of the atom.

The model suggests that atoms are made of smaller subatomic particles. In the middle of every atom is the nucleus. The nucleus contains two types of subatomic particles, protons and neutrons. The protons have a positive electrical charge and the neutrons have no electrical charge. But physicists have found more of these elementary particles in various experiments, so many in fact that researchers needed to organize them, just like Mendeleev did with his periodic table. This is summarised in a concise theoretical model called the Standard Model.

Today, we have a very good idea of what matter is made of, how it all holds together and how these particles interact with each other. Image: CERN.