In chemistry, the core usually refers to the central part of an atom. At the center of an atom is the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons. This is often referred to as the atomic core.
The core of an atom is crucial in determining the element's properties. The number of protons in the core determines the element's atomic number, which in turn determines its position on the periodic table.
Studying the core of an atom involves understanding the structure of the nucleus, the forces that hold it together, and the implications for chemical reactions and nuclear processes.