* Protons: Located in the nucleus, protons carry a positive charge. Iron has 26 protons. This number is what defines iron as iron, as the number of protons is the atomic number.
* Neutrons: Also located in the nucleus, neutrons have no charge. Iron can have varying numbers of neutrons, leading to different isotopes. The most common isotope of iron, Iron-56, has 30 neutrons.
* Electrons: Found orbiting the nucleus in electron shells, electrons carry a negative charge. Iron has 26 electrons, balancing the positive charge of the protons.
So, the basic breakdown is: 26 protons, 30 neutrons (for Iron-56), and 26 electrons.
