Name the scientists responsible for proving the existence of protons.

Ernest Rutherford identified and proved the proton (1917–1919); earlier hints came from Eugen Goldstein’s canal rays, and William Prout hypothesized hydrogen as the fundamental unit.

• Core credit: Rutherford showed hydrogen nuclei are a distinct positive particle, later called the proton.
• Precursors: Goldstein discovered canal rays (positive ions). J. J. Thomson measured charge-to-mass of ions. Prout proposed the “protyle” idea much earlier.
• Why it matters: Protons define atomic number and element identity.