* Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
* Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in shells.
Here's why:
* Neutrons, the other type of particle found in the nucleus, have no charge.
* The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which is a fundamental property of an element.
* Normally, an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, making it electrically neutral.
* If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, with either a positive (cation) or negative (anion) charge.
Therefore, the balance between the number of protons and electrons is what determines the overall charge of an atom.
