What are atoms?

Atoms are the building blocks of matter.

Each atom of an element is neutral. Being neutral means there is no net charge.

Atoms have equal numbers of protons and electrons. The positively charged protons are found in the nuclei of atoms, and the negatively charged electrons are outside the nuclei.

An atom’s atomic number equal to the atom’s number of protons and electrons

For example:

Aluminum’s atomic number is 13, thus each aluminum atom has 13 +(protons) and 13- (electrons).

The diagram shows the 13 electrons outside  and at different distances from the nucleus. The red circle represent the nucleus and the black circles represent the energy levels away from the nucleus.

How to make models of atoms can be found in “Janice VanCleave’s books of “Super Science Models.”