Which subatomic particle carries a positive charge and resides in the nucleus?

• A. Neutrons
• B. Electrons
• C. Protons
• D. Positrons

Answer: (C)

Protons carry a positive electric charge and are located in the nucleus. They, along with neutrons, form the heart of the atom, while electrons circle around outside the nucleus with negative charge. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the element’s identity and its total positive charge, while neutrons add mass but no charge. Neutrons are neutral, and electrons are outside the nucleus carrying negative charge. Positrons exist as the antimatter counterparts of electrons and aren’t part of the nucleus in ordinary atoms; they would annihilate with electrons if present. Therefore, the particle that both has a positive charge and resides in the nucleus is the proton.