proton
UK: ˈprəʊtɒn | US: ˈproʊtɑːn
n. A stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron.
proton = prot<first> + on<particle suffix>
- prot<first>: From Greek prōtos (πρῶτος), meaning "first." Reflects the proton's role as a primary component of atomic nuclei.
- on<particle suffix>: A suffix used in physics to denote subatomic particles (e.g., electron, neutron). Coined by Ernest Rutherford in 1920 based on the Greek neuter noun ending -on.
Etymology Origin:
The term proton was introduced to name the positively charged nuclear particle, emphasizing its fundamental ("first") role in atomic structure. The Greek root prot- was chosen to parallel its priority in the nucleus, while -on followed the naming convention for particles established earlier (e.g., electron). The word’s construction reflects early 20th-century scientific efforts to systematize atomic terminology.
A proton is approximately 1,836 times heavier than an electron.
The number of protons in an atom defines its atomic number.
Hydrogen atoms consist of a single proton and one electron.
Proton therapy is a advanced treatment for certain cancers.
In acidic solutions, protons are released into the surrounding medium.