Skip to content
Know.itKnow.it
Create an animated lesson
On request

This article is free to read. Creating a lesson uses your daily or stored credits; review the language and settings before starting.

What is a proton?

ScienceLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

A proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of every atom. The number of protons defines which element an atom is — one proton makes hydrogen, six make carbon — making protons the fundamental identity of matter.

Key things to understand

  1. It's a positively charged particle in the atom's nucleus.
  2. The number of protons determines the element.
  3. It's far heavier than an electron.
  4. It's made of even smaller particles called quarks.
  5. Protons and neutrons together form the nucleus.

People also ask

What does a proton do in an atom?
Its positive charge holds the negative electrons in orbit, and the number of protons defines which element the atom is.
What is a proton made of?
Three smaller particles called quarks, bound together by the strong nuclear force.
How is a proton different from a neutron?
Both sit in the nucleus and have similar mass, but the proton carries a positive charge while the neutron has none.
What is a proton?
A positively charged particle in an atom's nucleus; the number of protons determines the element.
What's the difference between a proton and an electron?
Protons are positive and sit in the nucleus; electrons are negative and orbit around it.
Why does proton number matter?
It defines the element — change the proton count and you change which element the atom is.