Proton Definition
A proton is a positively charged particle in an atom's nucleus. For example, a hydrogen atom has one proton in its nucleus.
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Atoms & Molecules
Fun Facts
- Protons are positively charged and located in the center of an atom.
- Carbon has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons.
- The atomic number on the Periodic Table indicates an element's number of protons.
Why Do We Need To Know About Proton
Learning about protons helps us understand matter. This is important for scientists who make new medicines or figure out how to fight diseases. For example, when they understand what is inside an atom, they can make molecules that our bodies can use to heal.
By studying how our bodies work at the atomic level, scientists can understand how things like proteins do their job. Proteins make your heart beat, give your hair its color and more. This knowledge is also behind making insulin proteins for people with diabetes. So, understanding the definition of a proton is really important for keeping us healthy and understanding how life works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on Atoms & Molecules
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Everything around us is made of atoms and molecules.
- An atom is the basic unit of an element. It consists of protons, neutrons and electrons.
- Atoms can combine to form molecules as simple as water or as complex as DNA.
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