Neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus of the atom. A normal gold atom has 117 neutrons. An atom of an element which has a different number of neutrons is called an isotope. A gold atom has 79 electrons which orbit in 6 shells. If the atom becomes charged by gaining or losing electrons, it is called an ion.
Electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons.
It takes 1,836 electrons to equal the mass of one proton, and 1,839 to equal the mass of one neutron. Scientists have discovered that there are even smaller particles contained within protons and neutrons. These are called quarks. There are three quarks in each proton and neutron. Gold is an element with its own properties and structure.