What are atoms composed of?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, and they are composed of three fundamental types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of the atom, which is the dense central core. Protons are positively charged, while neutrons have no charge; together, they contribute to the atom's mass. Surrounding the nucleus is the electron cloud, where electrons, which are negatively charged particles, orbit the nucleus.

The presence of all three types of particles is essential for understanding atomic structure, chemical properties, and how elements interact with each other. The balance of protons and electrons determines the charge of the atom, while the number of neutrons can affect the stability of the atom and lead to different isotopes. This comprehensive composition is crucial for grasping concepts in chemistry and physics, including bonding, reactivity, and the behavior of substances in various states of matter.