Let’s go step by step to fill in the table and answer the questions.
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Step 1: Fill in the charges of subatomic particles
We know from basic atomic structure:
-
Proton → has a
positive charge (+1)
-
Neutron → has
no charge (neutral, so 0)
-
Electron → has a
negative charge (-1)
So we fill the “Charge” column like this:
| Subatomic Particle | Charge |
|--------------------|------------|
| Proton | +1 |
| Neutron | 0 |
| Electron | -1 |
*(Location is not asked for here, but just for your knowledge: protons and neutrons are in the nucleus; electrons are outside in shells or cloud.)*
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Step 2: Draw charges on the diagrams
In the first diagram (Bohr model with circles):
- The red dots = protons → label them
+
- The black dots = neutrons → no charge, leave blank or write “0” if needed
- The blue dots = electrons → label them
–
In the second diagram (cloud/orbital model):
- Green/purple cluster in center = nucleus → contains protons (+) and neutrons (0)
- Black dots on orbits = electrons → label them
–
You don’t need to draw anything new — just add + and – signs next to the correct colored dots as shown in the key.
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Step 3: What is the electron cloud?
The electron cloud is the area around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found. Unlike the neat circular paths in the Bohr model, real electrons move in fuzzy regions called orbitals — together, they form a “cloud.” It shows probability, not fixed paths.
Simple version:
> The electron cloud is the space around the nucleus where electrons zoom around — we can’t say exactly where they are, just where they’re probably going to be.
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Final Answer:
Table:
| Subatomic Particle | Charge |
|--------------------|--------|
| Proton | +1 |
| Neutron | 0 |
| Electron | -1 |
Diagrams:
- Red dots (protons): mark with “+”
- Blue/black dots (electrons): mark with “–”
- Black dots (neutrons): no charge (leave blank or mark “0”)
What is the electron cloud?
It’s the region around the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found — it looks like a fuzzy cloud because electrons move too fast to pin down exactly.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of atomic diagram worksheet.