* Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

* Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.

The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number, and it determines the element. Technetium has an atomic number of 43, meaning it has 43 protons.

Since the atom is electrically neutral, it must also have 43 electrons to balance out the positive charges of the protons. This balance of positive and negative charges results in an overall neutral charge for the atom.