Proton

A proton is a subatomic particle with a positive electric charge, found in the nucleus of every atom.

In the atom

Protons sit at the centre of the atom along with neutrons. The number of protons, called the atomic number, determines which chemical element the atom is.

Properties

Protons are far heavier than electrons and their positive charge balances the electrons' negative charge in a neutral atom.

Frequently asked questions

What is a proton?

A positively charged particle in the atomic nucleus.

What does the number of protons decide?

Which element an atom is (its atomic number).