Describe how protons, neutrons, and electrons each affect the charge and mass of an atom.

Question

anonymous · Answer

I know protons an neutrons are affecting the mass because they are the numbers for the atomic mass, but I am confused on electrons.

anonymous · Answer

@abb0t @.Sam. @hba @Preetha

abb0t · Answer

electrons are on the outer shell of the atom. So you have the nucleus which is composed of protons and neutrons (which have almost the same mass) but electrons are 2000x lighter than proton.

Think proton = pro = + (positive charge)
Electron = - (negative charge)
neutron = neutral = no charge

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abb0t · Answer

remember positive is attracted to negative (opposites attract).
So, if you have more electrons, they will be more strongly attracted to the center (nucleus) that has protons. Which will make the whole atom smaller.

This is why you decrease in size as you move from left $\rightarrow$ right on the periodic table.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much.