Protons and neutrons are collectively known as what?

Protons and neutrons are collectively known as nucleons. This term originates from the fact that both protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus of an atom, which is the central part of the atom. Nucleons are fundamental components of the atomic structure, playing crucial roles in defining an element's mass and its stability.

While the term "nucleus" refers specifically to the core of an atom that contains these particles, "atoms" represent the complete structure, including the electrons orbiting around the nucleus. Electrons, on the other hand, are distinct subatomic particles that carry a negative charge and do not include protons or neutrons. The categorization of protons and neutrons as nucleons underscores their shared characteristic of existing in the nucleus and their collective contribution to the atomic mass and identity of elements.