What is the charge and mass of a proton?

A proton is a fundamental particle found in the nucleus of an atom and is one of the key components of atomic structure, alongside neutrons and electrons.

The charge of a proton is +1 elementary charge, which is a positive charge. This is important because it counteracts the negative charge of electrons, contributing to the overall stability of atoms. The positive charge is also crucial in defining the chemical properties and behaviors of elements, as it determines how atoms interact with one another.

In terms of mass, protons have a relative mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). This mass is significant when considering the composition of an atom because protons contribute to the majority of an atom's total mass, with neutrons also contributing a similar amount. Electrons, on the other hand, have a very small mass compared to protons and neutrons and are often considered negligible in calculations of atomic mass.

Combining these two points, the proton's positive charge and its mass of approximately 1 amu make it a fundamental building block in chemistry, especially in defining the identity of an element and its atomic weight.