GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Chemistry GlossaryProton

Proton - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

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A proton is a tiny particle found in the nucleus (centre) of an atom. It has a positive electric charge (+1).

Protons are important because the number of protons in an atom determines which element it is. For example:

  • 1 proton = hydrogen

  • 6 protons = carbon

The number of protons is called the atomic number, and it is used to arrange elements in the Periodic Table. Protons, along with neutrons and electrons, are the three main subatomic particles that make up atoms. Protons also contribute to an atom’s mass.

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Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.

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