How do the subatomic particles of an atom affect its properties and interactions?
Answer (1)
The subatomic particles of an atom—protons, neutrons, and electrons—determine its identity, stability, and how it behaves in chemical reactions. Role of each ParticleProtons determine the identity of the element. For instance, an atom with 1 proton is hydrogen, while an atom with 8 protons is oxygen.Neutrons add mass to the atom and help stabilize the nucleus. Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons—these are called isotopes.Electrons are responsible for how atoms interact with one another. They are found in orbitals around the nucleus and can be shared, gained, or lost to form chemical bonds.When atoms combine, they form molecules. These combinations happen mainly through the movement or sharing of electrons. If an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes an ion—either positively or negatively charged. These ions are essential for many processes in the body, such as nerve signals and muscle contractions.For example, sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell. It prefers to lose that electron, becoming a positively charged ion. Chlorine (Cl), which needs one more electron to fill its outer shell, accepts it, becoming negatively charged. These two then form a strong ionic bond to create salt (NaCl).Understanding subatomic particles helps us grasp why and how atoms form the compounds that our bodies depend on—from water to proteins. It’s a small topic with huge importance in life science and health.
