The center of the atom is called the nucleus. The nucleus is a dense region located at the core of the atom. It contains two types of subatomic particles: protons and neutrons. Protons carry a positive electric charge, while neutrons have no charge (they are neutral). The nucleus is held together by a strong force known as the nuclear force, which overcomes the repulsive force between the positively charged protons.
Surrounding the nucleus are electrons, which are negatively charged particles. Electrons orbit the nucleus in regions called electron shells or energy levels. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element’s identity, while the number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element.
In summary, the nucleus is the central part of the atom, containing protons and neutrons, and it plays a crucial role in defining the properties of the element.