Which subatomic particle is positively charged and resides in the nucleus, but is not involved in the conduction of electricity?

Which subatomic particle is positively charged and resides in the nucleus, but is not involved in the conduction of electricity?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Positron

Answer: (B)

A positive charge in the atomic nucleus that doesn’t take part in conducting electricity is carried by the proton. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, both tightly bound to the center of the atom. Protons have a positive electric charge, but they’re bound so strongly in the nucleus that they don’t move under normal conditions to carry current. Electric conduction comes from charges that can move—usually electrons in a metal or electrolyte ions in solution. Neutrons have no charge, so they don’t contribute to conduction. A positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron and isn’t a typical constituent of a nucleus; if it were present, it would interact differently (and likely annihilate with nearby electrons) rather than participate in conduction.

A positive charge in the atomic nucleus that doesn’t take part in conducting electricity is carried by the proton. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, both tightly bound to the center of the atom. Protons have a positive electric charge, but they’re bound so strongly in the nucleus that they don’t move under normal conditions to carry current. Electric conduction comes from charges that can move—usually electrons in a metal or electrolyte ions in solution. Neutrons have no charge, so they don’t contribute to conduction. A positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron and isn’t a typical constituent of a nucleus; if it were present, it would interact differently (and likely annihilate with nearby electrons) rather than participate in conduction.