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Structure and Properties of Matter: Atom
Proton
Description
Protons
Protons are tiny particles found inside the nucleus, or center, of an atom. They carry a positive electric charge and, along with neutrons, give the atom most of its mass. The number of protons in an atom determines what element it is. For example, every hydrogen atom has 1 proton, while every carbon atom has 6. Pr...
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Transcript
Have you ever wondered what gives each atom its true identity? The answer lies in the proton.
Protons stay tightly packed in the nucleus of an atom, along with neutrons.
They are held together by the strong nuclear force, the most powerful force in nature at very short distances.
This force overcomes the natural repulsion be...
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