nucleons

Nucleons are the particles that make up the nucleus of an atom, primarily protons and neutrons. Protons have a positive electric charge, while neutrons are neutral. Together, they determine the identity and stability of an atom—protons define the element, and neutrons influence its isotopic variation. Nucleons are subatomic particles held tightly together by the strong nuclear force, which is one of the fundamental forces in nature. Their interactions and arrangements inside the nucleus affect the atom's properties, including its mass and stability.