The nucleus of an atom contains two types of subatomic particles: protons and neutrons.
- Protons are positively charged particles, and the number of protons in the nucleus determines the element and its atomic number.
- Neutrons are neutral particles, which means they have no electric charge. Neutrons play a crucial role in adding mass to the nucleus and stabilizing it, particularly in heavier elements.
Together, protons and neutrons are known as nucleons. The nucleus is held together by the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
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