RADIATION BIOLOGY

COMPONENTS OF THE ATOM

The atom is comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The nucleus of an atom contains protons, which have a positive charge. The nucleus also contains neutrons, which are neutral. Electrons, which are negatively charged, revolve or orbit about the nucleus. Generally, protons and electrons in an atom are equal in number. Figure 2-1 represents an atom with one proton, one neutron, and one orbiting electron.

Figure 2-1. Components of the atom.