Inside an atom, there are three important particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Let's look at how they are different:

1. Where They Are Found:

   • Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus, which is the heavy center of the atom.
   • Electrons move around the nucleus in areas called "shells" or energy levels.

2. Electric Charge:

   • Protons have a positive charge (+1).
   • Neutrons have no charge at all (0 charge).
   • Electrons have a negative charge (-1).

3. Weight:

   • Protons and neutrons have about the same weight, which is nearly 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
   • Electrons are much lighter, weighing only about 1/1836 of a proton’s weight.

4. Their Jobs in the Atom:

   • Protons tell us the atomic number and what element it is (for example, carbon has 6 protons).
   • Neutrons help with the atomic weight and keep the atom stable.
   • Electrons are important for how atoms connect and react in chemical processes.

Knowing these differences helps us understand the basic makeup of matter!