In the basic structure of an atom, which subatomic particle carries a positive electric charge?

Introduction / Context:
Atoms are composed of three main types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. Each type has a characteristic electric charge (positive, negative or neutral). Knowing the charges of these particles is fundamental to understanding atomic structure, chemical bonding and electricity. This question asks which part of the atom has a positive electric charge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are considering the three main subatomic particles: proton, neutron and electron.
• We assume the standard model of the atom: a central nucleus with protons and neutrons, and electrons surrounding the nucleus.
• Charges are measured relative to the elementary charge e.
• We are not dealing with exotic particles such as positrons here.

Concept / Approach:
Protons carry a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to the negative charge of electrons. Neutrons are electrically neutral, carrying no net charge. Electrons carry a negative electric charge of the same magnitude as the proton's positive charge. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, so the total positive and negative charges cancel. The positive charge of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus because that is where the protons reside.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a proton has charge +e, where e is the elementary charge (approximately 1.6 × 10^-19 coulomb). Step 2: Recall that an electron has charge -e, the same magnitude but opposite sign to the proton. Step 3: Recall that a neutron has no net charge; it is electrically neutral. Step 4: The question asks which part of the atom has a positive charge, so we must choose the particle that is positively charged. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is the proton.

Verification / Alternative check:
Atomic models show the nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting or existing in orbitals around it. The overall charge of the nucleus is positive, due to the presence of protons only; neutrons do not contribute to charge. The chemistry of an element is determined by the number of protons (atomic number), which is directly tied to the positive charge in the nucleus. The balancing negative charges of electrons reside outside the nucleus. Laboratory experiments measuring the deflection of charged particles in electric fields have confirmed the positive nature of protons and the negative nature of electrons.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Neutron: Neutrons are electrically neutral; they have no net positive or negative charge, so they cannot be the answer.

Electron: Electrons carry a negative charge, not a positive one.
All of the above particles are positively charged: This is incorrect because only protons are positively charged; neutrons are neutral and electrons are negative.

Common Pitfalls:
A simple but frequent mistake is to confuse neutrons with protons because both are found in the nucleus. Remember the mnemonic: "p for positive proton," while "neutron" sounds like "neutral." Another confusion arises when students forget that electrons are negatively charged; keeping the sign conventions clear is essential for understanding atomic structure and electrical phenomena.

Final Answer:
The positively charged particle in an atom is the Proton.