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

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

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea is identifying which subatomic particle sits in the nucleus and carries a positive charge. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons; protons have a positive charge and give the nucleus its positive overall charge, and they also determine the element’s identity. Neutrons have no charge, so they don’t contribute to the positive charge. Electrons, carrying negative charge, live outside the nucleus in the electron cloud. Positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons, but they are not the usual constituents of the atomic nucleus. Therefore, the particle that fits both conditions—positive charge and residence in the nucleus—is the proton.

The main idea is identifying which subatomic particle sits in the nucleus and carries a positive charge. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons; protons have a positive charge and give the nucleus its positive overall charge, and they also determine the element’s identity. Neutrons have no charge, so they don’t contribute to the positive charge. Electrons, carrying negative charge, live outside the nucleus in the electron cloud. Positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons, but they are not the usual constituents of the atomic nucleus. Therefore, the particle that fits both conditions—positive charge and residence in the nucleus—is the proton.