Who discovered protons?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Protons**: Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They play a crucial role in defining the atomic number of an element, which determines its identity.

2. **Initial Observations**: The first mention of positively charged particles was made by the scientist Johann Wilhelm Hittorf and later by Eugen Goldstein. Goldstein conducted experiments using a cathode ray tube and observed these positively charged particles, which he referred to as "canal rays."

3. **Identification of Protons**: Although Goldstein observed these particles, he did not fully understand their nature or significance. It was Ernest Rutherford who later conducted experiments that led to the identification of protons as the positively charged particles located in the nucleus of the atom.

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