What two types of subatomic particles must a basic atom contain?

A basic atom is fundamentally structured by two types of subatomic particles: protons and electrons. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of the atom, contributing to the atomic number and defining the element itself. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus in various energy levels. These two particles are crucial for the formation of an atom because they establish balance and contribute to the atom's overall charge neutrality when the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Neutrons, while also subatomic particles found within the nucleus, are not necessary for the definition of a basic atom, especially in its simplest form, such as hydrogen, which has one proton and one electron but no neutrons. Furthermore, positrons are not standard components of atoms; they are the antiparticles of electrons and do not contribute to the formation of a basic atom.

Thus, the pairing of protons and electrons forms the basis of atomic structure, making this combination essential to the definition of a basic atom.