Learning Objectives
- Protons define the element.
- Neutrons affect mass number.
- Electrons affect charge.
ChemistryMiddle / High School12 min
Build an Atom
Learn how protons define the element while electrons define charge.
Live Values
Element
O Oxygen
Atomic number
8
Mass number
16
Charge
0 (Neutral)
Formula
charge = protons - electrons
Protons define the element, neutrons define isotope mass, and electrons define charge.
Try this
Build a neutral oxygen atom.
Correct, this is a neutral oxygen atom.
Reading the atom
What happened?
The element changed when proton count changed, and charge changed when electron count changed.
Why?
Protons define element identity, while electrons determine whether the atom is neutral or an ion.
Tags
ProtonsNeutronsElectronsCharge