Nucleons are the particles found in the nucleus of an atom, primarily consisting of protons and neutrons. These particles play a crucial role in determining the atomic mass and stability of an element. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral, and together they make up the bulk of an atom's mass. The interactions between nucleons are governed by the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. Understanding nucleons is essential for fields such as nuclear energy, particle physics, and astrophysics, as they are fundamental to the structure of matter in the universe.