Final answer:
The nucleus of an atom is its dense core where protons and neutrons reside. These particles contribute significantly to the mass of the atom, with electrons (located in the electron cloud outside the nucleus) contributing less due to their minuscule size. This structure forms the basis for understanding chemical principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nucleus is indeed the dense core of an atom, where protons and neutrons reside. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. It's important to note that these protons and neutrons contribute more significantly to the mass of an atom compared to electrons, which are located outside the nucleus in the electron cloud. The electron cloud consists of electrons, tiny particles carrying a negative charge, and it's mostly space, which is why the nucleus houses most of an atom's mass. This fundamental organization and structure is key to understanding the basic principles of chemistry and atomic structure.
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