What is the charge of a proton?

Review for the KAMSC Honors Biology Exam. Enhance your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to master key concepts. Prepare confidently for your semester exam!

A proton carries a positive charge, which is fundamental to its role in atomic structure. In an atom, protons reside in the nucleus alongside neutrons, which are neutral. The positive charge of protons balances the negative charge of electrons, allowing for the overall stability of the atom. This property of protons is essential in determining the atomic number of an element, which is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. Since each element has a unique atomic number, the positive charge of protons is a defining characteristic of different elements.

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