What are the three fundamental building blocks of nature?

The three fundamental building blocks of nature are protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are essential components of atoms, which are the basic units of matter. Protons, located in the nucleus of an atom, carry a positive charge, while neutrons, which also reside in the nucleus, are neutral with no charge. Electrons orbit the nucleus and have a negative charge. Together, these three particles define the structure of an atom and determine the properties of different elements.

Understanding the roles of these particles is crucial because they form the basis of chemistry and physics, influencing how matter behaves, how elements combine to form compounds, and how energy is transferred in various processes. The correct selection highlights the atomic structure that underpins all physical matter in the universe. In contrast, the other options refer to either more complex arrangements of matter or different properties of matter, which do not get to the fundamental level of atomic structure.