Protons

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, which is the central part of an atom. They, along with neutrons (which have no charge), make up the atom's core, while electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit around this nucleus. The number of protons in an atom determines what element it is; for example, hydrogen has one proton, while oxygen has eight. Protons play a critical role in the structure of matter, as they affect the atom's mass and chemical properties. Together with neutrons, they contribute to the atomic nucleus's stability.