what three particles make up an atom?

The three main particles that make up an atom are protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Quick Scoop: Atom Basics

• Protons – Positively charged particles found in the nucleus (center) of the atom.

• Neutrons – Neutral (no charge) particles that also live in the nucleus and add mass.

• Electrons – Negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus in regions often called shells or clouds.

Together, protons and neutrons form the nucleus , while electrons occupy the space around it, and most of the atom is actually empty space.

One way to picture it: if the nucleus were the size of a pea in a stadium, the electrons would be like tiny gnats buzzing around the outer seats, with mostly nothing in between.

At a very simple level, that’s the answer to “what three particles make up an atom?”—protons, neutrons, and electrons.

TL;DR: An atom = nucleus (protons + neutrons) + electrons around it.

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