International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

What is the charge of a proton?

1. 0

2. -1

3. +1

4. +2

The correct answer is: +1

The charge of a proton is +1. Protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, and they play a crucial role in defining the atomic structure and chemical properties of an element. Each proton carries a positive electric charge, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge of an electron. In neutral atoms, the number of protons is balanced by an equal number of electrons, resulting in no overall charge. The positive charge of protons contributes to the attraction of electrons, which are negatively charged, helping to keep the atom stable. Additionally, the total number of protons in the nucleus determines the atomic number, which identifies the element in the periodic table. Understanding the charge of protons is fundamental in chemistry, as it directly relates to concepts such as ionic charge, chemical bonding, and the behavior of atoms in reactions.