Glossary

 

Atomic Mass - The total number of protons and neutrons the atom contains

Atomic Number - The number of protons in the nucleus of the atom

Electron - Electrons are negatively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom

Energy Level - relates to the energy level (shells) of the electrons

Isotope - Isotopes are atoms of an element that have the usual number of protons and electrons,but different numbers of neutrons.

Neutron - Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Nucleon - Neutrons and protons are two types of neutron. They are particles that make up the nucleus of an atom.

Nucleus - The nucleus is the centre of the atom, made up of protons and neutrons and containing most of the atom's mass

Proton - Protons are positively charged particles, found in the nucleus of the atom

Shell - Electrons occupy shells (sometimes called energy levels).  The lowest shells are always filled first and each shell can only contain a certain number of electrons.