Atomic composition basics: identify the principal constituents of a neutral atom used in electronics and physics contexts Choose the most complete set.

Introduction / Context:
Atomic structure underpins semiconductor physics, conductor behavior, and chemical properties. Knowing the three primary subatomic particles—electrons, protons, and neutrons—helps link charge distribution, isotopes, and bonding to device operation in electronics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Neutral atoms have equal numbers of electrons and protons.
• Neutrons contribute mass and nuclear stability but no net electric charge.
• “Ions” refers to atoms or molecules with net charge, not a fundamental third component.

Concept / Approach:
An atom consists of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. Electrons are negatively charged, protons positively charged, and neutrons neutral. Ionization changes the electron count, forming ions, but does not add a new fundamental particle type beyond the three listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify subatomic building blocks: electrons, protons, neutrons.2) Evaluate options: select the set containing these three.3) Reject “ions” as a fundamental constituent—ions are modified atoms, not basic particles.4) Choose electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Verification / Alternative check:
Physics references consistently describe these three as the canonical components for basic atomic models (ignoring deeper quark structure at this educational level).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Protons only” omits electrons and neutrons. Sets including ions misunderstand that ions result from electron gain/loss rather than forming a separate intrinsic part of all atoms.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ion terminology (cation, anion) with subatomic particles; also forgetting that isotopes differ by neutron count but remain the same element due to unchanged proton count.

Final Answer:
Electrons, protons, and neutrons