1. Protons:

- Location: Inside the nucleus (the central core of the atom)

- Charge: Positive (+)

- Mass: Approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)

- Role: Protons determine the element of an atom. The number of protons in an atom is called its atomic number and defines its chemical properties.

2. Neutrons:

- Location: Inside the nucleus

- Charge: Neutral (no charge)

- Mass: Approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)

- Role: Neutrons contribute to the atom's mass and stability. The number of neutrons can vary within an element, creating isotopes.

3. Electrons:

- Location: Outside the nucleus, in electron shells or orbitals

- Charge: Negative (-)

- Mass: Negligible (approximately 1/1836 amu)

- Role: Electrons determine an atom's chemical behavior and bonding properties. They participate in chemical reactions and form bonds between atoms.

Key Differences:

* Charge: Protons are positively charged, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negatively charged.

* Location: Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus.

* Mass: Protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass, while electrons have a much smaller mass.

* Role: Protons define the element, neutrons contribute to mass and stability, and electrons determine chemical behavior.