What are the positively charged subatomic particles in atoms called?

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

Answer: (B)

Protons are the positively charged subatomic particles that reside in the atomic nucleus. Each proton carries a +1 charge, and the number of protons in the nucleus determines the element’s identity and atomic number. Neutrons have no charge and contribute to mass, while electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, a charged version of the atom, but the positively charged particle inside the nucleus is the proton.