The subatomic particle that carries a positive charge is the proton. Protons, found in the nucleus of an atom, play a crucial role in determining an atom's identity and its elemental properties. The number of protons in the nucleus, known as the atomic number, distinguishes one element from another. In conjunction with neutrons, protons influence the atomic mass and stability of the atom. Understanding protons is fundamental to the principles of chemistry and physics, as well as biological processes at the molecular level.