What are the particles found surrounding the nucleus of an atom?

Electrons are the particles that are found surrounding the nucleus of an atom. They occupy various energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus, which is composed of protons and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles, and their distribution around the nucleus is crucial for determining the chemical properties of an element, as they participate in bonding and reactions. The behaviors of electrons, such as how they are organized in shells or energy levels, are fundamental to understanding atomic structure and electron configurations.

Neutrons and protons make up the nucleus itself; neutrons are neutral, while protons carry a positive charge. Molecules, on the other hand, consist of two or more atoms bonded together, which means they are collections of atoms rather than individual particles within an atom. Understanding the role of electrons around the nucleus helps explain various phenomena in chemistry and physics, including how elements interact and form compounds.