Each of these has certain identifiable characteristics. Protons and neutrons are both located at the center of the atom, its nucleus. Electrons are found outside the nucleus. Since this is so small, the mass of electrons is considered to be negligible and is ignored. In addition, the some of these particles bear an electrical charge.
Protons carry a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are uncharged.
Complete the table below, using the information given in the above paragraph. Characteristics of Subatomic Particles subatomic particle location mass charge proton neutron electron Atoms can be classified according to the number and arrangement of these particles. Each unique type of atom belongs to a different element . There are over 100 known elements, of which 92 are found naturally. For our purposes, we need to be concerned only with those elements which are of primary importance in living systems.