What is the structure of an atom?

Atoms are really tiny particles that make up all substances in the universe. An element is made of one type of atom. An atom has a small central nucleus made up of smaller sub-atomic particles called protons and neutrons. The nucleus is surrounded by even smaller sub-atomic particles called electrons. Atoms always have the same number of protons and electrons. Protons are positive (think - they both begin with the letter P!), electrons are negative and Neutrons are Neutral (Think - they both begin with the letter N!). Protons and electrons have an electrical charge. Both have the same size of electrical charge and because they are equal in number the overall charge of an atoms is zero.

ET
Answered by Emma T. Chemistry tutor

3246 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name or formulate these compounds: i)CH3CH2CH(CH3)COOH ii)CH3CH2COCH3 iii) 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone iv) 1-propanamine


Give the name of the monomer used to make poly(chloroethene). And describe how monomer molecules form polymer molecules.


What are the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction?


What is ionic bonding and what are the characteristics of this type of bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning