An atom is the smallest particle of element that can take part in a chemical reaction. It consists of subatomic particles; electrons, neutrons and protons.
Electrons are found in the energy levels while protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus.
A proton is made up of three parts namely;
Two up quarks
One down quark, and
The gluons
The gluons are parts in which the quarks exchange, and this is how the strong nuclear forces works to keen them from getting out.