⚛ What is inside an atom?

Unit 2 · Matter, forces & life · 10 min

At the centre of an atom is the nucleus: protons (+) and neutrons (no charge). Electrons (−) move around it. The number of protons sets the element: 1 is hydrogen, 6 carbon, 8 oxygen. Equal protons and electrons make a neutral atom.

Words in this lesson

• 原子 (yuánzǐ) — atom
• 质子 (zhìzǐ) — proton
• 电子 (diànzǐ) — electron

Project: Build a helium atom from coloured beans or paper balls: 2 protons, 2 neutrons, 2 electrons.