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Question Question 1(1994)
What is a proton ? What is the significance of the number of protons found in the atoms of each of the different elements.
Proton [p] is a subatomic particle in the nucleus of an atom having unit positive charge 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs and mass of 1.670 x 10-24 g. It is 1837 times as heavy as an electron.
As elements are arranged on the basis of the number of protons in their respective atoms, therefore, proton helps in determining and understanding the structure and behaviour of an atom. Protons also determine the positive charge of the nucleus in the atom.