Question

Modem atomic theory states that atoms are neutral. How is this neutrality achieved?

a.Equal number of neutrons and protons
b. Equal number of protons and electrons
c.More electrons than protons
d. More neutrons than electrons

Answer 1

The neutrality of an atom is achieved by having equal numbers of protons and electrons, which cancel out their charges, defining the atomic number of each element.

Step-by-step explanation:

The neutrality of an atom is achieved when there are equal numbers of protons and electrons within the atom. Negative and positive charges of equal magnitude cancel each other out, meaning the negative charge of an electron perfectly balances the positive charge on a proton. For example, if a neutral atom has 5 protons, it must also have 5 electrons to be electrically neutral. This relationship defines the atomic number (Z), which is a characteristic property of each element and refers to the number of protons in the nucleus, and consequently, the number of electrons in a neutral atom.