Which statements correctly describe the charges of protons and neutrons?

• A. Protons are negative and neutrons are positive
• B. Protons are positive and neutrons are neutral
• C. Protons are neutral and neutrons are negative
• D. Protons are negative and neutrons are neutral

Answer: (B)

Protons carry a positive electric charge, neutrons are electrically neutral. This is why the nucleus has a positive charge (in a neutral atom, electrons balance that positive charge). The other statements assign the wrong charges to protons or neutrons, so they aren’t correct. The accurate description is that protons are positive and neutrons are neutral.