What elementary particle of an atom is positive in charge?

The elementary particle of an atom that carries a positive charge is the proton. Protons are found within the nucleus of an atom, along with neutrons, and they play a crucial role in defining the atomic structure and properties of elements. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the atomic number of an element, which ultimately defines what element it is.

In contrast to protons, neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they have no charge at all. Electrons, which orbit the nucleus, carry a negative charge. An ion is not a specific particle but rather an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge. Understanding these distinctions is essential in grasping the basic structure of atoms and their behavior in chemical reactions.