The nucleus of an atom contains two main types of subatomic particles: protons and neutrons. These particles are often referred to collectively as nucleons.
Protons are positively charged particles, and the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus defines the element. For example, hydrogen has one proton, while carbon has six protons. This positive charge of protons also plays a critical role in determining the atom’s overall charge and how it interacts with other atoms.
Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral particles, meaning they have no electrical charge. They act as a stabilizing force within the nucleus. The number of neutrons can vary within atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes. For example, carbon-12 has six neutrons, while carbon-14 has eight neutrons.
Together, protons and neutrons make up the nucleus, and their interactions are governed by the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus tightly together despite the repulsive forces between the positively charged protons.