The nucleus of an atom is the central core that contains most of the atom's mass and is composed of two types of subatomic particles: protons and neutrons.
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Protons:
- Protons are positively charged particles.
- The number of protons in the nucleus determines the atomic number of an element and therefore its identity (e.g., hydrogen has 1 proton, carbon has 6).
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Neutrons:
- Neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they carry no charge.
- Neutrons contribute to the mass of the nucleus and play a crucial role in stabilizing the nucleus, particularly in larger atoms where the electrostatic repulsion between protons increases.
Together, protons and neutrons are collectively referred to as nucleons. The strong nuclear force, facilitated by particles called gluons, holds the nucleons together in the nucleus, overcoming the repulsive force between the positively charged protons.
The composition of the nucleus varies among different elements, as the number of protons and neutrons can change. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to variations in atomic mass. The arrangement and number of these nucleons are essential in determining the properties of the atom, including its stability and radioactivity.
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