What charge do protons carry?

Protons carry a positive charge, which is a fundamental property of these subatomic particles. This positive charge is essential in defining the nature of atoms and contributes significantly to the electric force that holds the nucleus together, as well as influencing the behavior of atoms in chemical reactions. The presence of protons in the nucleus, along with neutrons, accounts for most of an atom's mass and defines the identity of an element based on the number of protons it contains. The positive charge of protons also allows them to attract negatively charged electrons, which orbit the nucleus, enabling the formation of stable atoms.

Understanding the charge of protons is crucial to grasp basic concepts in chemistry and physics, such as atomic structure, ionization, and chemical bonding. The incorrect options highlight misunderstandings about atomic structure: negatively charged particles refer to electrons, neutral charge applies to neutrons, and variable charge does not accurately describe protons, as their charge is fixed and consistent.