Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons Explained Simply

Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three main parts that make up every atom.
Protons have a positive charge and decide what element an atom is—like hydrogen or gold.
Neutrons carry no charge but add mass and stability to the nucleus.
Electrons are tiny, negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus.
The number of protons in an atom is called its atomic number—it defines its identity.
Neutrons can vary, creating different versions of the same element, called isotopes.
Electrons in the outer shell, known as valence electrons, control how atoms bond.
Most of an atom’s mass comes from protons and neutrons, not electrons.
Without neutrons, many atomic nuclei would fall apart due to proton repulsion.
Together, protons, neutrons, and electrons form the foundation of all matter in the universe.