Definition of Proton



A proton is a positively charged particle that is present in the nucleus of an atom. It is represented by p or p+. The protons along are present in the atomic nuclei with the neutrons. The mass of this subatomic particle is a bit less than that of the neutron. As the protons and neutrons reside inside the nuclei, they are termed the nucleons.

 


The total number of protons that are present in an atom is the atomic number of the element. The atomic numbers are represented as Z. Every element has a defined number of protons in it and therefore, the modern periodic table is organized on the basis of atomic numbers.

 

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