An atom consists of protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons and neutrons are encased in the central core of the atom and form the nucleus. Around the nucleus the electrons orbit is a cloud. The protons are positively charged, the neutrons carry no charge, and the electrons are negatively charged. The number of electrons is always equal to the number of protons present in the nucleus. And, the number of neutrons is typical equal to the number of protons.

As the protons and electrons carry opposite charges, they are electrically attracted to one another. So, an electron does not leave an atom because of the electromagnetic force that holds it to the corresponding proton.

When a group of similar atoms come together, it forms a molecule. An atom that has equal number of electrons and protons is has a neutral electrical charge as the opposing charges negate each other. However, the atom has a positive charge, it is known as a cation, while an atom with a negative charge is known as an anion. The number of protons present in the nucleus is responsible for determining the chemical element, while the number of neutrons present in the nucleus is responsible for determining the isotope of that particular chemical element.

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