What are the three fundamental particles of an atom and their charge?

The three fundamental particles of an atom are indeed the proton, neutron, and electron. Each of these particles plays a vital role in the structure of an atom and has a specific charge associated with it.

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of the atom. Their positive charge is essential for defining the element itself, as the number of protons determines the atomic number and thus the identity of the element.

Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral particles, meaning they carry no charge. They also reside in the nucleus alongside protons and contribute to the overall mass of the atom. The presence of neutrons affects the stability of the nucleus and can influence isotopes of the same element.

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. The negative charge of electrons counterbalances the positive charge of protons, leading to an electrically neutral atom when the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

This combination of positively charged protons, neutral neutrons, and negatively charged electrons forms the basic structure of atoms, allowing for the diversity of matter in the universe. This understanding is fundamental in the study of radiology and physics as it relates to how atoms interact and how radiation is produced.