Protons and Neutrons: The Core of the Nucleus

Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are electrically neutral.
Together, protons and neutrons are known as nucleons.
The number of protons defines an element’s identity on the periodic table.
Neutrons add stability by offsetting the repulsion between protons.
Isotopes differ in neutron number but share the same proton count.
The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons tightly inside the nucleus.
Neutrons can decay into protons through beta decay, changing one element into another.
Protons and neutrons themselves are made of smaller particles called quarks.
The balance of protons and neutrons determines whether a nucleus is stable or radioactive.
Without neutrons, large nuclei would fly apart due to proton-proton repulsion.