Nucleons
What is Nucleons?
Nucleons are the subatomic particles that make up the atomic nucleus: protons (positively charged) and neutrons (electrically neutral). The total number of nucleons in a nucleus is the mass number (A = Z + N, where Z is the number of protons and N is the number of neutrons). Nucleons are held together by the strong nuclear force, which overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between protons and is effective only at very short range (about 1–3 fm).
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Nucleons are the subatomic particles that make up the atomic nucleus: protons (positively charged) and neutrons (electrically neutral). The total number of nucleons in a nucleus is the mass number (A = Z + N, where Z is the number of protons and N is the number of neutrons). Nucleons are held together by the strong nuclear force, which overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between protons and is effective only at very short range (about 1–3 fm).