What are the names, charges, and locations of the three types of subatomic particles that make up an atom?

Nov 13, 2015

Proton (charge of +e, in the nucleus), Neutron (0 charge, in the nucleus), and Electron (charge of –e, outside the nucleus).

Explanation:

1. Proton. This is a positively charged particle that is present in the nucleus of atoms. It has a charge of + 1.6 × 10^(-19) C. But for ease we might say it has a charge of +e or +1.

2. Neutron. This particle has a charge of zero; it is uncharged/neutral. It is present in the nucleus of atoms.

3. Electron. This is a negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of atoms, i.e. outside the nucleus (electrons exist in the space between atomic nuclei). They have a charge of – 1.6 × 10^(-19) C. But for ease we might say it has a charge of –e or –1.

Charges
Charge is measure in coulombs (symbol, C). The elementary charge is e = 1.6 × 10^(-19) C. Subatomic particles have charges that are multiples of this value. For ease scientists (especially chemists) will just say that a particle has a charge of +1, 0 or –1. By that they mean +1×e, 0×e or –1×e.