What is located in the nucleus of a typical atom?

The nucleus of a typical atom is composed of neutrons and protons. Protons are positively charged particles that contribute to the atomic number of an element, determining its identity, while neutrons are neutral particles that add to the atomic mass. Together, they make up the dense core of the atom. Electrons, on the other hand, are negatively charged and reside in electron shells around the nucleus, not within it. Thus, the presence of neutrons and protons in the nucleus is what defines it and establishes the fundamental properties of the atom, such as its mass and the type of element it represents.