Which particles are located in the nucleus?

• A. Protons and neutrons
• B. Electrons and protons
• C. Electrons only
• D. Neutrons only

Answer: (A)

The nucleus houses protons and neutrons, the particles that give the atom most of its mass. Protons carry positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and together they’re held tightly together by the strong nuclear force. Electrons, which are negatively charged, sit outside the nucleus in regions called electron shells or orbitals, kept near the nucleus by the attraction to the protons. So the particles located in the nucleus are protons and neutrons; electrons are outside the nucleus.