* Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom defines its element. For example, all carbon atoms have 6 protons.
* Isotopes: Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons. These are called isotopes. For example, carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons.
Changing the number of protons would change the element. For example, if you added a proton to a carbon atom (6 protons), it would become nitrogen (7 protons).
Changing the number of electrons would create an ion. Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a positive or negative charge. However, they still represent the same element.
In summary:
* Changing neutrons: Creates isotopes of the same element.
* Changing protons: Changes the element.
* Changing electrons: Creates ions of the same element.
