Conceptual computer artwork of an atomic nucleus. The central glow represents protons and neutrons, and is surrounded by a cloud of orbiting electrons

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Conceptual computer artwork of an atomic nucleus. The central glow represents protons and neutrons, and is surrounded by a cloud of orbiting electrons. The nucleus of an atom consists of protons and neutrons (two types of baryons) bound by the nuclear force (also known as the residual strong force). These baryons are further composed of subatomic fundamental particles known as quarks bound by the strong interaction. Which chemical element an atom represents is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. Each proton carries a single positive charge, and the total electrical charge of the nucleus is spread fairly uniformly throughout its body, with a fall-off at the edge.

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Size: 5000px × 6000px
Photo credit: © DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: artwork, atom, baryon, chemical, cloud, computer, concept, conceptual, electric, electron, element, force, illustration, neutron, nuclear, nucleus, orbit, orbital, particle, proton, quark, subatomic