What particles make up the nucleus of an atom?

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged particles, while neutrons have no electric charge. Together, these particles are often referred to as nucleons, and they are found at the center of the atom, contributing significantly to its mass and providing the overall stability of the atomic structure.

Understanding the roles of protons and neutrons is crucial, as protons define the atomic number of an element, which determines the element's identity on the periodic table. Neutrons, while they do not affect the chemical identity, contribute to the atomic mass and play a vital role in the stability of the nucleus. The presence of neutrons helps mitigate the repulsive forces between positively charged protons, preventing the nucleus from disintegrating.

Other options contain incorrect particle combinations. For instance, electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus rather than comprising it. Positrons, on the other hand, are the antimatter counterparts of electrons and are not found in a stable atom's nucleus. Therefore, protons and neutrons are the correct components that make up the nucleus, providing the foundational structure for atomic behavior and interactions.