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Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements. Atoms are made up of three particles  protons, neutrons and electrons.

Protons and neutrons are heavier than electrons and reside in the center of the atom called the nucleus.

 Protons carry a positive electrical charge, electrons carry a negative electrical charge and neutrons carry no electrical charge at all. The protons and neutrons cluster together in the central part  called the nucleus.