* Electron: A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. It is much smaller and lighter than protons and neutrons.
* Proton: A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It is much larger and heavier than an electron.
* Neutron: A neutral particle (no charge) also found in the nucleus of an atom. It is roughly the same size and weight as a proton.
Here's a simple analogy: Imagine an atom is like a tiny solar system.
* The sun would be the nucleus, containing the protons and neutrons.
* The planets would be the electrons orbiting the nucleus.
So, electrons, protons, and neutrons are all fundamental building blocks of matter, but they are distinct particles with different properties.