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The major portion of an atom's mass consists of?

  1. Electrons

  2. Neutrons and protons

  3. Only neutrons

  4. Only protons

The correct answer is: Neutrons and protons

The major portion of an atom's mass is derived from neutrons and protons, which are found in the atomic nucleus. Both of these particles have significant mass, with protons carrying a positive charge and neutrons being neutral. Together, they account for nearly all of the atom's mass because electrons, which are much lighter and orbit around the nucleus, contribute minimally to the overall mass of the atom. The protons determine the element's identity (such as hydrogen or oxygen), while neutrons contribute to the mass and stability of the nucleus. This is why the collective mass of neutrons and protons is the primary contributor to an atom's mass, highlighting the importance of both particles in the atomic structure.