What are positively charged elementary particles known as?

Prepare for the DEQ Radiation Safety Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations for each question. Enhance your understanding and get ready for your exam!

Positively charged elementary particles are known as protons. Protons are a fundamental component of atomic structure, found in the nucleus of an atom along with neutrons, which have no charge. The positive charge of protons is essential for the stability of atoms, as they determine the atomic number, which defines the element and its chemical properties.

In contrast, electrons are negatively charged and also play a critical role in atomic structure but are not positively charged themselves. Neutrons, as mentioned, carry no charge and help to stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsion between the positively charged protons. Quarks are the building blocks of protons and neutrons but are not elementary particles themselves in the context of being standalone charged particles; instead, they combine to form these larger particles, contributing to their properties, including charge. Thus, protons are specifically characterized by their positive charge, making them the correct answer in this context.

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