The Hidden World Inside the Atom’s Nucleus

The nucleus is a dense core at the center of every atom, holding nearly all its mass.
Protons inside the nucleus carry positive charges, while neutrons carry no charge.
The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons together, overpowering their natural repulsion.
A nucleus is tiny—if an atom were a football stadium, the nucleus would be a marble at the center.
Different numbers of protons define elements, while varying neutrons create isotopes.
Radioactivity occurs when unstable nuclei release energy to reach stability.
Nuclear fusion powers the Sun, where nuclei combine to release massive amounts of energy.
Nuclear fission splits large nuclei apart, fueling power plants and weapons.
Even slight changes in nuclear makeup can alter the identity or stability of an atom.
Studying nuclei helps unlock mysteries of energy, medicine, and the origins of the universe.