Which particles make up the nucleus of an atom and carry a positive charge?

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons, but when focusing specifically on the particles that carry a positive charge, protons are the correct answer. These positively charged particles play a crucial role in defining the atomic identity of an element; the number of protons in the nucleus determines the element's atomic number and its position on the periodic table.

Electrons, in contrast, are negatively charged and orbit around the nucleus. Neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they carry no charge at all, and isotopes refer to variations of an element based on differing numbers of neutrons. Therefore, while neutrons contribute to the mass and stability of the nucleus, they do not affect its charge. Protons are essential in establishing the positive charge of the nucleus and the overall chemical characteristics of the atom. Thus, the understanding of protons and their role is vital for grasping the foundational concepts of atomic structure in chemistry and physics.