AFOQT Practice Test

What type of subatomic particle carries a positive charge?

1. Proton

2. Neutron

3. Electron

4. Ion

The correct answer is: Proton

The subatomic particle that carries a positive charge is the proton. Protons are found in the nucleus of an atom and are one of the primary building blocks of matter. The positive charge of protons is equal in magnitude to the negative charge of electrons, which are also present in atoms but outside the nucleus. This balance of charges plays a crucial role in the structure and stability of atoms. Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral particles with no charge, and they also reside in the nucleus alongside protons. Electrons carry a negative charge and are located in orbitals surrounding the nucleus. Ions are particles that can be positively or negatively charged, depending on whether they have lost or gained electrons, but they are not a specific type of subatomic particle like protons, neutrons, or electrons. In summary, the positive charge associated with protons is fundamental to the identity of an atom and its chemical properties.