Which particles are found in the atomic nucleus?

The atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons, which are collectively known as nucleons. Protons are positively charged particles that contribute to the atomic number and the identity of the element, while neutrons are neutral particles that provide stability to the nucleus. The presence of neutrons allows for variations in the number of nucleons, leading to the existence of different isotopes of an element. Electrons, on the other hand, are not found within the nucleus; they orbit the nucleus in electron shells and have a much smaller mass compared to protons and neutrons. This distinction is crucial in understanding atomic structure, the behavior of elements, and chemical reactions.