singleproton

A single proton is a fundamental subatomic particle carrying a positive electric charge. It is a baryon, meaning it is composed of three quarks, specifically two up quarks and one down quark. Protons are a key component of the atomic nucleus, along with neutrons. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, known as the atomic number, defines the element. For example, an atom with one proton is hydrogen, while an atom with six protons is carbon.

Protons are remarkably stable particles. Their mass is approximately 938.272 MeV/c², which is about 1836 times the mass of an electron. The positive charge of a proton is equal in magnitude to the negative charge of an electron. This charge neutrality is crucial for the existence of atoms. Protons interact through the strong nuclear force, which binds them together in the nucleus, and also through the electromagnetic force due to their charge. They are also subject to the weak nuclear force and gravity. The stability of protons has been a subject of extensive research, with experiments setting extremely high lower limits on their lifetime.