Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three subatomic particles that make up an atom. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge.
The number of protons and neutrons in an atom varies depending on the element, but the number of electrons is always equal to the number of protons in a neutral atom.
Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of an atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus. Protons determine the element and atomic number of an atom, while electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bonding. Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus and contribute to the mass of an atom.
Protons and electrons were discovered in the late 1800s through experiments with electric discharge tubes. Neutrons were discovered in the 1930s through experiments with atomic nuclei. The discovery of these particles has greatly advanced our understanding of atomic structure and the nature of matter.
Protons and neutrons cannot be split or destroyed, but they can be converted into each other through nuclear reactions. Electrons can be removed from an atom through ionization, but they cannot be destroyed either. The conservation of these subatomic particles is a fundamental principle in physics.