Which positively charged particle is part of an atom's nucleus?

The positively charged particle that is part of an atom's nucleus is the proton. Protons are fundamental components of atomic structure, residing within the nucleus alongside neutrons, which are neutral particles. The presence of protons in the nucleus contributes to the overall positive charge of the nucleus, as they each carry a positive electric charge. This positive charge is crucial for the electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the negatively charged electrons that orbit around the nucleus, facilitating the stability of the atom.

Understanding the role of protons is essential in the study of chemistry and physics, as they define the atomic number of an element, influencing its identity and position on the periodic table. In contrast, electrons are negatively charged particles that exist outside the nucleus, and neutrons, while also located in the nucleus, do not carry any charge. Photons, on the other hand, are particles of light and do not form part of atomic structure.