Where are protons found in an atom?

Positively charged subatomic particles known as protons, together with their neutral counterparts the neutrons, collectively make up the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus is the dense core located at the center of the atom and makes up most of the mass of the molecule.

Electrons orbit the nucleus of the atom in orbitals (also called shells.) Each type of particle, from the simplest hydrogen to more complicated atoms like radium or barium, contain protons, although in different numbers.

Each element is given an atomic number which corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. Take mercury, for example. The atomic number for mercury is 80. Therefore, in one nucleus of one mercury atom, there are 80 positively charged protons.