What is the electric charge of a proton?

Protons carry a positive electric charge, which is one of the fundamental characteristics that defines this subatomic particle. The charge of a proton is approximately +1 elementary charge, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge of an electron. This positive charge plays a crucial role in the structure of atoms and is key to the interactions within atomic nuclei, as it helps to hold protons and neutrons together against the repulsive forces that arise from the like charges of protons.

The positive charge of protons is also essential for the overall neutrality of atoms, as they balance the negative charges of electrons in a neutral atom. In simplistic terms, protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, contributing to both the atom's mass and its positive charge when not balanced by electrons. This foundational knowledge about electric charge is critical in understanding many concepts in radiology physics, such as the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields.