The Structure of an Atom

In the heart of a chemical reaction is the atom. Atoms are made up of subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus at the center of the atom, while the electrons move around the nucleus in specific energy levels. The number of protons determines the element's identity, while the number of electrons determines its chemical properties. Understanding the structure of an atom is fundamental to understanding the behavior of elements and the formation of molecules in chemistry.