At the centre of the atom, is the nucleus. This is made up of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged, with a relative charge of +1. Whilst neutrons are neutral (relative charge = 0).Surrounding the nucleus are electrons. These are arranged in energy levels and are negatively charged (relative charge = -1).Both protons and neutrons have a relative mass of 1. Whilst electrons are much lighter with a relative mass of 1/1840. The relative mass of electrons is so small, that it can be considered negligible.