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Which particles are located in the nucleus of an atom?

  1. Protons and electrons

  2. Neutrons and isotopes

  3. Protons and neutrons

  4. Neutrons and electrons

The correct answer is: Protons and neutrons

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutrally charged. Together, they make up the atomic mass of an element, as electrons, which are negatively charged particles, orbit the nucleus and do not contribute to the mass. Understanding the structure of the atom is essential because it forms the basis of chemistry and helps explain how elements interact with each other. By recognizing that protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus, one can appreciate the role they play in defining the identity and properties of an element, such as its atomic number (determined by the number of protons) and isotopes (which vary in the number of neutrons). This fundamental concept is critical in numerous applications, from understanding chemical reactions to exploring atomic behavior in different states of matter.