The nucleus of an atom is mainly composed of which particles?

The nucleus of an atom is primarily made up of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged particles that contribute to the atomic number of an element, while neutrons are neutral particles that contribute to the atomic mass. Together, these particles are referred to as nucleons.

Electrons, which are negatively charged, are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, not within it. This distinction is important as it highlights the separation of mass and charge within the atom.

Neutrinos, on the other hand, are extremely light, neutral particles that are rarely involved in atomic structure. They are produced in certain types of nuclear reactions but do not contribute to the composition or mass of the nucleus.

Understanding the composition of the nucleus is fundamental to grasping concepts such as atomic stability, nuclear reactions, and the behavior of atoms in chemical bonding.