Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atomic number and, therefore, the identity of an element.
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Protons have a positive electric charge of +1e or approximately $1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ coulombs.
The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is called its atomic number and defines the element.
Protons are composed of three quarks: two up quarks and one down quark.
Protons have a rest mass of approximately $1.6726 \times 10^{-27}$ kilograms, making them slightly less massive than neutrons but much more massive than electrons.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
Review Questions
What is the charge and approximate mass of a proton?
How does the number of protons in an atom's nucleus relate to its atomic number?
What quarks make up a proton?
Related terms
Neutron: A neutrally charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus, with a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.
Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.
Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which determines the chemical element.