Which two subatomic particles contribute to the mass of the atom and reside in the nucleus?

Which two subatomic particles contribute to the mass of the atom and reside in the nucleus?

• A. Neutrons and Electrons
• B. Protons and Neutrons
• C. Protons and Electrons
• D. Electrons

Answer: (B)

Mass mainly comes from the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons. These two particles are called nucleons and reside together in the nucleus. Their combined mass accounts for almost all of the atom’s mass. Electrons orbit around the nucleus in the electron cloud and have far less mass, so they contribute negligibly to the total mass. Therefore, the particles that contribute to the atom’s mass and stay in the nucleus are protons and neutrons.

Mass mainly comes from the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons. These two particles are called nucleons and reside together in the nucleus. Their combined mass accounts for almost all of the atom’s mass. Electrons orbit around the nucleus in the electron cloud and have far less mass, so they contribute negligibly to the total mass. Therefore, the particles that contribute to the atom’s mass and stay in the nucleus are protons and neutrons.