The components of an atom include protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge and are located in the nucleus along with neutrons, which have no charge. The nucleus constitutes the atom's mass and is surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons that occupy various energy levels. The arrangement and number of protons determine an atom's element and its chemical properties. Understanding atomic structure is fundamental in chemistry and physics, and it forms the basis for understanding how elements interact and form compounds in nature.