what are protons

Question

. Why is charge usually transferred by electrons rather
than by protons

Answer 1

Protons are bound in the nucleus of an atom while electrons exist in energy levels clouds around the atom. The outer shell electrons can be broken away from the atom by electric potential (volts).

 

Atoms are stationary in solids, so protons don't transfer electric charge. But in plasmas both positively charged ions (atoms that have lost some of their electrons) and electrons carry charge to make a current (think florescent lights).