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Atom Builder

Neutral atomProtons and electrons are balanced.
CURRENT ELEMENT6C12CarbonELECTRON SHELLS2, 44 valence electrons12−−−−−−++++++nnnnnnCHARGEneutralproton +1neutron 0electron −1p⁺Protons6−+n⁰Neutrons6−+e⁻Electrons6−+
ATOMIC IDENTITYCarbon-12Neutral
Atomic number (Z)6
Mass number (A)12
Electron shells2, 4
Valence electrons4
Protonselement6
Neutronsisotope6
Electronscharge6
Build a known atom

Protons choose the element. Neutrons choose the isotope. Electrons decide whether the atom is neutral or charged. This is a simplified Bohr shell model: the animated circular paths are diagrams, not literal electron trajectories.

  • Build a neutral neon atom (10 protons, 10 electrons)
  • Create an ion (unequal protons and electrons)
  • Build a carbon-14 atom (6 protons, 8 neutrons)
  • Make a +2 ion (two more protons than electrons)