What is the charge of the nucleus of an atom?

The nucleus of an atom is positively charged due to the presence of protons, which carry a positive charge. Atoms are primarily composed of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, with electrons surrounding this central core. Since neutrons are neutral and do not carry any charge, the overall charge of the nucleus is determined solely by the number of protons.

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, which balances the overall charge. However, when considering only the nucleus, it is the protons that contribute to the positive charge. This positive charge holds the negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus, creating a stable atom.