The Atom
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Each element is in the form of an atom. An atom is comprised of three main particles. In the nucleus of the atom there are typically neutrons and protons. The nucleus is the center of the atom and is represented by the yellow circle in the drawing below. Orbiting the nucleus are the electrons.
To effectively understand the fundamental building blocks of automotive electronics, you must know the following electrical properties of an atom's parts.
Remember:
- An electron has a negative electrical charge.
- A proton has a positive electrical charge
- A neutron has no electrical charge.
- Opposite electrical charges are attracted to each other.
- Like electrical charges are repelled by each other.
The attraction and repulsion of these electrically charged particles is much like the attraction and repulsion of a pair of magnets. If you place one magnet's north pole against another magnet's north pole, the magnets repel each other. However, if you place one magnet's south pole against another magnet's north pole, the magnets attract each other.
If you place an electron near another electron, they will repel each other. If you place an electron near a proton, they will be attracted to each other. You might be asking yourself "what about the protons in the nucleus of the atom, shouldn't they repel each other because they have like charges?" The answer is yes, they have like charges and are repelled by each other; however, the job of the neutron is to hold them together anyway. This is done by exerting a strong nuclear force. Think of the neutrons as glue to hold the protons together.
An electrically balanced atom has the name number of electrons and protons. The protons and neutrons cannot leave the atom; however, the electrons can, but only if some outside force acts upon them.
