Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, which is the central part of the atom. The nucleus serves as the core, housing these subatomic particles. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral, meaning they have no charge. The nucleus is fundamental to the atom's structure as it contains most of the atom's mass due to the relatively heavy nature of protons and neutrons compared to electrons.

The other locations mentioned do not accurately represent where protons and neutrons are found. The outer shells of the atom refer to the regions where electrons are located, not protons and neutrons. Scattering throughout the atom and being in the electron cloud are also inaccurate descriptions, as these terms generally refer to the distribution of electrons around the nucleus rather than the position of protons and neutrons. Thus, identifying the nucleus as the location of protons and neutrons is essential for understanding atomic structure.