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What Is the Charge of a Proton? — Reading Comprehension

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Standards

MS-PS1
HS-PS1
RI.6.3
RI.7.1

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This reading passage, 'What Is the Charge of a Proton?', introduces middle school students to the concept of electric charge within the structure of atoms. Students learn that a proton has a positive charge (+1), is found in the nucleus of an atom, and helps define what element the atom represents. The passage also explains how protons attract negatively charged electrons and how this relationship helps stabilize atoms. This content aligns with NGSS MS-PS1-1, which focuses on the structure of matter, and supports Common Core literacy standards like RI.6.1. With clear language and real-world relevance, this resource includes 8 comprehension questions, a fun fact, and key vocabulary to support student understanding of atomic structure.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Atom (PSF)" by Pearson Scott Foresman / Wikimedia Commons.

Atoms are the tiny building blocks of everything around us. Each atom is made of three main parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are incredibly small, but they all have important properties—one of the most important is electric charge.

So, what is the charge of a proton?
A proton has a positive charge. This is written as +1. It means that protons are electrically positive, and they play a big role in the behavior and identity of an atom.

Protons are located in the nucleus, the center of the atom. Electrons, which are negatively charged, move around the nucleus. The positive charge of the proton attracts the negative charge of the electron. This attraction helps keep electrons close to the nucleus.

Neutrons, which are also found in the nucleus, have no charge—they are neutral. But protons and electrons balance each other out. In most atoms, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, so the atom as a whole has no charge—it is electrically neutral.

The number of protons in an atom also determines what element it is. For example, if an atom has 1 proton, it is hydrogen. If it has 6 protons, it is carbon. The proton’s positive charge is part of what gives each element its identity and how it interacts with other atoms.

So to sum it up: a proton has a positive charge (+1) and is one of the most important parts of an atom’s structure.

Fun Fact: Protons are so stable that some scientists believe they may never decay—meaning they might last forever!

What is the charge of a proton?

NegativeNeutralPositiveIt has no charge

Where in the atom are protons located?

Outside the atomIn the electron cloudIn the nucleusFloating in space

What is the electric charge of a proton written as?

-1+10+10

What helps keep electrons near the nucleus?

GravityThe weight of the atomThe attraction between protons and electronsHeat from the nucleus

How does the charge of a neutron compare to a proton?

Neutrons are more positiveNeutrons have no chargeNeutrons have negative chargeNeutrons and protons have the same charge