Summarise the key differences between the subatomic particles by completing this table.PropertyComparison of protons, electrons and neutronsElectric chargeMass

Key Differences between Protons, Electrons, and Neutrons

Detailed Comparison

1. Electric Charge:

   • Protons possess a positive electric charge (+1), contributing to the positive charge of atomic nuclei.
   • Neutrons carry no electric charge (neutral), which helps balance the positive charge in the nucleus.
   • Electrons have a negative electric charge (-1), orbiting around the nucleus and helping to neutralize the positive charge of protons.

2. Mass:

   • The mass of protons and neutrons is roughly equal, around 1 atomic mass unit (amu), which is significantly greater than the mass of electrons.
   • Electrons have a much smaller mass, about 1/1836 of an amu, making them negligible in comparison to protons and neutrons when calculating the overall mass of an atom.

These differences are fundamental to the behavior of atoms and play critical roles in chemical bonding and atomic structure.