Build an Atom
Explore how protons, neutrons, and electrons make up atoms. Add or remove particles to create different elements and ions.
Protons: 1
1
Determines element
Neutrons: 1
1
Affects stability
Electrons: 1
1
Determines charge
Atom Properties
Element
Hydrogen
Symbol: H
Atomic Number
1
Number of protons
Mass Number
2
Protons + Neutrons
Net Charge
0
Neutral atom
Stability
This isotope is likely stable.
Neutron to proton ratio: 1.00
Understanding Atoms
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They consist of three types of subatomic particles:
- Protons: Positively charged particles in the nucleus. The number of protons determines which element the atom is.
- Neutrons: Neutral particles in the nucleus. They add mass and affect stability. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes.
- Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in shells. They determine the atom's chemical properties and how it bonds with other atoms.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in no net charge. If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion:
- Cation: An atom that has lost electrons, giving it a positive charge.
- Anion: An atom that has gained electrons, giving it a negative charge.