What are positively charged elementary particles with a mass of approximately 1840 times that of an electron referred to as?

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Positively charged elementary particles with a mass approximately 1840 times that of an electron are known as protons. Protons are one of the fundamental components of atomic nuclei, alongside neutrons. They carry a positive charge, which is crucial for the stability of atoms, as the positive charge of protons in the nucleus balances the negative charge of electrons that orbit around the nucleus.

The mass of a proton being about 1840 times that of an electron indicates that while electrons are relatively lightweight, protons contribute significantly more to the overall mass of an atom. This mass difference is vital in nuclear physics and chemistry, influencing the behavior of atoms in different reactions.

In contrast, neutrons are neutral particles with a similar mass to protons but do not carry any charge, and electrons are negatively charged with much less mass. Nuclei refer to the collective structure of protons and neutrons at the center of an atom but do not refer specifically to the positively charged particles themselves. Thus, protons are specifically identified as the particles that fit the description given in the question.

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