What type of subatomic particle is found in the nucleus of an atom and carries a positive charge?

The subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that carries a positive charge is a proton. Protons are one of the primary constituents of atomic nuclei, along with neutrons, which are neutral particles. The presence of protons in the nucleus defines the element and determines its atomic number. Since protons are positively charged, they play a critical role in the overall charge of the atom and in the interactions that occur between atoms.

In comparison to other particles, neutrons do not carry any charge; electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus, and photons are particles of light and do not reside in the nucleus. This distinction highlights the importance of protons in establishing an element's identity and its chemical behavior.