The space surrounding the nucleus of an atom contains what?

The space surrounding the nucleus of an atom contains electrons. Electrons are subatomic particles that have a negative electric charge and occupy the regions around the nucleus known as electron clouds or orbitals. These areas are defined by probabilities of finding an electron in a certain location rather than specific paths, which reflects the quantum mechanical nature of these particles.

In contrast, neutrons and protons are located within the nucleus itself; neutrons are neutral particles, and protons have a positive charge. Photons, on the other hand, are particles of light and are not part of the atomic structure. They can interact with electrons but do not reside in the space surrounding the nucleus. Thus, the correct identification of electrons as the constituents of the space around the nucleus is essential for understanding atomic structure and behavior in chemical reactions.