What is the charge of a proton?

The charge of a proton is positive. Protons are one of the fundamental particles that make up the nucleus of an atom, alongside neutrons and electrons. While electrons carry a negative charge and neutrons are electrically neutral, protons have a distinct positive charge, which is essential for the structure of atoms and the balance of electrical charges within the atom.

Having a positive charge allows protons to attract negatively charged electrons, which helps to hold the atom together. This positive charge is also significant in chemical reactions and interactions between different atoms, as it influences how atoms bond and form molecules. The stability of matter and the vast variety of chemical properties of different elements stem from the fundamental interactions between protons, neutrons, and electrons, based on their respective charges.

The other options—negative, neutral, and varies—do not correctly describe the charge of a proton and hence are not accurate in this context. Negative applies to electrons, neutral describes neutrons, and varies does not apply to protons, as they consistently possess a positive charge.