Question

Two different atoms have nine protons each and the same mass. However, one is neutral while the other has a negatiive charge. Describe what each atomic structure could be, listing the possible numb er and location of all subatomic particles.

Answer 1

In a neutral atom, the number of positively charged protons is equal to the number of negatively charged electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero. If two different atoms have nine protons each and the same mass, but one is neutral while the other has a negative charge, the atomic structure of the neutral atom would have 9 protons, 9 electrons, and 9 neutrons. The atomic structure of the negatively charged atom would have 9 protons, 10 electrons, and 9 neutrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. The proton has a positive charge, the neutron has no charge (neutral), and the electron has a negative charge. In a neutral atom, the number of positively charged protons is equal to the number of negatively charged electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero. If two different atoms have nine protons each and the same mass, but one is neutral while the other has a negative charge, the atomic structure of the neutral atom would have 9 protons, 9 electrons, and 9 neutrons. The atomic structure of the negatively charged atom would have 9 protons, 10 electrons, and 9 neutrons.