No, protons cannot change their charge within an atom. Protons are fundamental particles that carry a positive charge of +1 elementary charge. The charge of a proton is an inherent property and remains constant within an atom.
In an atom, the number of protons determines the atomic number and identifies the element. For example, hydrogen has one proton, helium has two protons, and so on. Changing the charge of a proton would essentially change the identity of the atom itself.
However, it is important to note that in certain nuclear reactions, such as radioactive decay or nuclear reactions in particle accelerators, protons can be transformed into other particles or change their identity. For instance, a proton can be converted into a neutron through a process called beta decay, which involves the emission of a positron or an electron.
In summary, while protons cannot change their charge within an atom, they can undergo transformations in certain nuclear reactions that involve the conversion of protons into other particles.