Final answer:
The net charge being zero on either side of the plasma membrane suggests a balance of positive and negative charges, resulting in no overall electrical gradient and maintaining the condition of neutrality within atoms or molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the net charge on either side of the plasma membrane is zero, it typically means there are equal numbers of positive and negative charges, resulting in a neutral charge. This situation is indicative of a balanced state, where the attractive electric force from surrounding electrons is equal in all directions, effectively canceling each other out, leaving no net electric force. Regarding molecules, a molecule or ion has a formal charge of zero if it exhibits the typical number of bonds for that species; for example, carbon typically forming four bonds. In the context of atoms, neutral atoms have a net charge of zero because they possess an equal number of protons and electrons. This balance is crucial for the stability of the atom, molecule, or material, and the absence of a net charge does not favor either positive or negative overall charge, leading to a condition of neutrality. Therefore, when one observes that the net charge across the plasma membrane is zero, it implies a balance of charge, suggesting equal distribution of ions and no electrical gradient at that moment.