The subatomic particle that has a charge of +1 is the proton. Protons are found in the nucleus of an atom, alongside neutrons. They play a crucial role in determining the atomic number of an element, which defines the element’s identity. For example, a hydrogen atom has one proton, which gives it an atomic number of 1.
In contrast, electrons, which are also subatomic particles, carry a negative charge of -1, and they orbit the nucleus at various energy levels. Neutrons, another type of subatomic particle, have no charge at all. The balance of protons and electrons in an atom determines whether the atom is neutral or ionized. For instance, if an atom has more protons than electrons, it becomes positively charged; if it has more electrons, it becomes negatively charged. Thus, the charge of +1 associated with protons is fundamental to the structure of matter.