An atom is the basic unit of matter. It is composed of a nucleus, which is located at the center, and electrons that orbit around the nucleus. The nucleus, on the other hand, is the central part of an atom that contains most of its mass. It is made up of positively charged particles called protons and uncharged particles called neutrons.
Here are some key differences between an atom and a nucleus:
Composition: The atom consists of a nucleus and electrons, whereas the nucleus consists of protons and neutrons.
Size: The nucleus is significantly smaller than the entire atom. The size of the nucleus is typically around 1/10,000th the size of the atom.
Mass: The majority of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus, as protons and neutrons have relatively high masses compared to electrons.
Charge: The atom as a whole is electrically neutral because the number of electrons equals the number of protons. However, the nucleus carries a positive charge due to the presence of protons.
Stability: The nucleus is held together by strong nuclear forces, which counteract the electromagnetic repulsion between positively charged protons. The stability of the nucleus depends on the balance between these forces. Atoms, on the other hand, can form chemical bonds and interact with other atoms through their electrons.
It's important to note that the term "atom" is often used to refer to the entire structure, including the nucleus and electrons, while "nucleus" specifically refers to the central core of the atom.