Understanding atomic structure will help you grasp what makes the
world work—from creating stink-bombs to radioactivity... plus,
it'll help you pass chemistry too.
The atom's center, or nucleus, contains both protons and
neutrons. These particles each have a mass of one atomic mass
unit (AMU) and together account for the overall weight of the
atom. Because protons and neutrons are both in the nucleus of the
atom, they are called nucleons. The number of protons and
neutrons are very stable, and are not easily changed.
Inside the Atom
So if the nucleons aren't easily changed, what creates atomic
reactions? Surrounding the nucleus, electrons (which weigh a
negligible amount) orbit in several levels, and combine with
electrons in other atoms to create chemical reactions, like the
explosions emanating from your school's lab.
The subatomic particles of protons, neutrons,
and electrons have charges which explain their atom's
behavior. The protons each have a positive charge, and live in
the nucleus with neutrons, which each have a neutral charge.
Electrons have a negative charge which counters the charge of
protons, creating a neutral atom overall. When electrons are
added or subtracted, the atom can become charged either
negatively or positively — these kinds of atoms are called
ions. Ions then react to each others' electrical
nature.
Now you try it...