Basic Parts of an Atom  

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Atoms are the smallest units of matter that make-up elements and compounds and have the identity of those elements and compounds. While Atoms contain sub atomic particles such as quarks we will address them at this level.

The atom consist of two basic components the nucleus and the electron cloud or electron shell.
The nucleus of the atom represents "the heart" or the center of the atom. The nucleus is made up of two parts; the proton and the neutron. Protons are positive charged particles while neutrons have no charge. All elements have neutrons with exception of Hydrogen which has none. Protons and Neutrons weight around 1 AMU. (Atomic Mass Unit) Elements differ because of the protons in the nucleus of the atom. If an atom adds more neutrons without changing the number of protons it becomes an Isotope.
The outer atom is surround by an electron cloud. This cloud is made up of different energy shells. Electrons orbit around the nucleus. Electrons are negative charged particles. An atom has the same same number of electrons has it has protons unless it is an ion. Electrons have very little mass and their weight does not factor in the AMU.