Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Which particle is responsible for the positive charge in an atom?

1. Neutron

2. Proton

3. Electron

4. Isotope

The correct answer is: Proton

The proton is the particle responsible for the positive charge in an atom. Atoms are comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive electrical charge, while neutrons have no charge, and electrons are negatively charged. The balance between the number of protons and electrons determines the overall electric charge of the atom. When an atom has more protons than electrons, it becomes positively charged, and when it has more electrons, it becomes negatively charged. In contrast, neutrons do not contribute to the charge of the atom; they serve primarily as a stabilizing force within the nucleus. Electrons, although they have a charge, are negatively charged and do not contribute to the positive charge of the atom. Isotopes refer to variations of elements that have the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons; they do not influence the charge of the atom directly. Thus, the proton's positive charge is fundamental to defining the identity and properties of an atom.