Editing Nucleus

== what is the nucleus? ==
The '''nucleus''' is the small, dense center of an [[atom]] where nearly all of its mass is concentrated. It contains [[protons]] and [[neutrons]] (collectively known as [[nucleons]]).

== properties ==
* **contains**: [[protons]] and [[neutrons]]  
* **charge**: positive (due to protons)  
* **mass**: >99.9% of the atom’s total mass  
* **size**: ~1/100,000 of the atom’s total diameter

== discovery ==
[[ernest rutherford]] discovered the atomic nucleus in 1911 through his gold foil experiment, showing that the mass and positive charge of an atom are concentrated in a central region.

== function of the nucleus ==
* Houses the atom’s identity through the number of [[protons]]  
* Maintains mass through [[neutrons]]  
* Source of [[radioactive decay]] in unstable elements  
* Plays a central role in [[nuclear reactions]]

== atomic number and mass number ==
* [[atomic number]] = number of protons  
* [[mass number]] = protons + neutrons

== nuclear stability ==
* Stable nuclei have a balanced ratio of [[protons]] to [[neutrons]]  
* Unstable nuclei may emit particles (alpha, beta, gamma) in [[radioactivity]]

== see also ==
* [[protons]]  
* [[neutrons]]  
* [[electrons]]  
* [[atomic number]]  
* [[mass number]]  
* [[ernest rutherford]]

== disclaimer ==
''This article is intended for [[academic]] and [[educational]] purposes and is designed for students learning about atomic structure in a MediaWiki environment.''