Subatomic Particles and the Nucleus

Start with the particles

Begin with the mind map Atoms and Nuclei for an overview of the atom. It shows a positively charged nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons around it. Use it to get familiar with where the particles are found before comparing their properties.

Next, look at Nucleus of an Atom alongside the Fundamental Particles mind map. These resources describe protons, neutrons and electrons and their charges. The latter also gives relative masses, so you can compare the particles in one place.

Practice with flashcards and a quiz

The Fundamental Particles flashcards ask about the particles in atoms, the relative mass of an electron and the forces holding particles together. Try answering each card before looking back at a mind map. The The Electron: Subatomic Particles 2 deck also covers particle locations, masses and charges, as well as the unified atomic mass unit.

After working through the cards, try a listed quiz. Use a mind map to review any point you want to check, then return to the quiz. The slide set Parts of the Atom offers another way to look at particles, including the location, size, mass and charge of electrons.

Explore nuclear structure

For a closer look, the notes Atomic and nuclear structure cover the alpha-particle scattering experiment, nuclide notation, nuclear reactions and mass defect. Start with the particle maps if you want a foundation before opening these notes.

This topic is one section of the Atomic Structure unit in Physics. The page brings together visual overviews, questions and notes so you can move between a quick comparison and a more detailed resource within the unit. Choose a map or flashcard deck and use it alongside a quiz.