The nucleus, the atom’s central core, contains protons and neutrons, subatomic particles that define the element’s identity and mass. Protons, with a positive charge, determine atomic number, while neutrons, with no charge, contribute to mass. The balance between protons and neutrons affects nuclear stability, with a neutron-rich nucleus promoting stability. Binding energy, a significant force, holds these particles together within the nucleus, influenced by factors like nuclear size and nucleon count.
