The nuclei of most atoms contain multiple protons. each proton has a positive charge. if objects that have like charges repel each other, why do the protons in the nuclei of most atoms not fly apart? the charges of protons and neutrons cancel each other out. electrons outside the nucleus push on protons. a strong nuclear force between an atom’s protons and neutrons holds together the atom’s nucleus. protons experience a more powerful attraction to the negatively charged particles in an atom’s nucleus.