Which subatomic particle carries a positive charge?

The subatomic particle that carries a positive charge is the proton. Protons are found in the nucleus of an atom and are one of the primary constituents of atomic structure, alongside neutrons and electrons. Each proton has a positive charge of +1 elementary charge, which plays a crucial role in determining the atomic number and identity of an element since the number of protons in the nucleus defines the element itself.

In contrast, neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they have no charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. The term "ion" refers to an atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons and thus has a net charge; however, it does not specifically denote a subatomic particle with a positive charge. Hence, protons are unequivocally the particles associated with positive electrical charge in an atom.