WJEC Chemistry Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

The proton is the particle that carries a positive charge. In atomic structure, protons are located in the nucleus along with neutrons, which are neutral and have no charge. The positive charge of protons defines the atomic number of an element, which directly indicates its identity and position in the periodic table.

On the other hand, electrons carry a negative charge and are situated in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus. Neutrons, as previously mentioned, are neutral and do not contribute to the charge of the atom. An ion is a charged particle, but it can be either positively or negatively charged, depending on whether it has gained or lost electrons. Thus, among the given options, the proton is specifically the particle that is positively charged.