What particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged particles that define the element and its position on the periodic table, while neutrons are neutral particles that contribute to the atom's mass and stability. This combination of protons and neutrons is what constitutes the dense center of the atom.

Electrons, on the other hand, are not located in the nucleus but rather occupy the space around the nucleus in various energy levels or orbitals. Neutrons only are insufficient to form a nucleus as protons are also required for a complete atomic structure. Therefore, the selection of protons and neutrons accurately reflects the makeup of the atomic nucleus. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the study of atomic structure and fundamental chemistry principles.