Nucleons are the subatomic particles found within the nucleus of an atom. There are two types of nucleons:
Protons: Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a charge of +1 elementary charge (approximately 1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs) and a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element’s identity, and it is called the atomic number (Z).
Neutrons: Neutrons are electrically neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have no net electrical charge and are considered electrically neutral. Neutrons have a mass similar to protons, approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
Together, protons and neutrons make up the vast majority of an atom’s mass, with electrons, which orbit the nucleus in electron shells, contributing much less mass.
The nucleus of an atom is held together by the strong nuclear force, which acts between protons and neutrons and overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons. This force is responsible for the stability of atomic nuclei.
The total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) in the nucleus is called the mass number (A) of the atom. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons (same atomic number) but a different number of neutrons (different mass number). Nucleons play a crucial role in determining the properties and stability of atomic nuclei.